The Artist
{4.5/5} “Why do you refuse to talk?”
George is a big silent movie star. Peppy bumps into George and they get their picture taken with her kissing him on the cheek — this picture is on the front page of the paper the next day. Peppy wants to be an actress, and she starts by being an extra in a few movies. She works her way up to being a star herself. Talking movies are coming but George is disdainful of the idea — meanwhile his marriage is going downhill.
The Artist was released in 2011. It’s filmed in the style of a silent movie — black and white, no sound except background music, some dialogue on title cards.
It’s a bit strange to be seeing people’s lips move and not hear what they say, but you get used to it. Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo have a great presence on the screen, and you understand what they’re conveying. James Cromwell is brilliant as always.
George’s dog is another great character — he’s well trained, and acts with him in movies. Uggie the dog was also in Water for Elephants.
It’s about making movies, dealing with change, and falling in love.
Don’t let the unusual format stop you from seeing it. It might not become one of your all-time favourites, but it’s a terrific movie. It’s quite funny.
The playful and dramatic music is by Ludovic Bource (OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies).
Jean Dujardin (OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies) plays George and Bérénice Bejo (The Past) plays Peppy.
John Goodman (Monsters University) plays George’s producer and James Cromwell (Babe) plays George’s chauffeur. Missi Pyle (Galaxy Quest) and Malcolm McDowell (Star Trek Generations) have small roles.
The movie was directed by Michel Hazanavicius (OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies).