Saying this only makes me look wet behind the ears and a greenhorn of a movie watcher: The Artist is the first silent film I’ve ever seen. Slap me on the hands, unsubscribe, believe me to lose any credibility I had, but I think admitting this is important to the impact this movie has had on me. For the longest time, I’ve put most movies made before the 1950s on the back burner because I’ve believed them to be ‘inferior’ and ‘a chore’ to watch compared to the colored, talking, and contemporary films that are being released today. And if the Artist is ANYTHING like the films made in the 30s, 40s, and 50s, then I’ve been wasting my time watching and reviewing movies like Real Steel and Happy Feet 2.
George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is an arrogant and proud silent film star. After he helps a charming Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo) get a job in acting, he’s suddenly faced with changing times as the talkies begin to change the industry. When he gets left in the dust and watches Peppy on the road to stardom, George begins to take to drink and walks on a road to self-destruction.
[MAINTENANCE NOTE: I’ve added one more movie to the five movies to watch on certain days of the year. Check it out here for the mystery movie I shamefully forgot.]
OMG, travel in time and then marry me.
If you didn’t already know, The Artist is a silent film. In fact it’s the first silent film to be majorly released since Mel Brooks’s, ‘Silent Movie’ [IMDB]. And if you’ve been keeping up with movie award season, the best lead role and best picture awards have been going to Dujardin and The Artist. Simply put, this movie is AMAZING. Stylish, top notch acting, and a satisfying emotional roller coaster, The Artist has a number of reasons why it deserves the industry’s most coveted award.
The story itself is extremely interesting as it follows the life of a washed up actor facing changing times. Any film history major [which I am not] can fully appreciate this monumental moment in the industry and the parallels to real life actors relays a deep sense of authenticity. The role reversal of the nobody Peppy Miller to amazing movie star and George’s transition from movie star to nobody provides even more amazing parallels within the movie.
However I don’t think it’s the movie’s story that makes this movie so much better than the other Oscar contenders. There is amazing chemistry between its two leads, and Bérénice Bejo’s Peppy Miller exudes a very classic and vintage sexy that makes me wish all women today looked and acted the way she did. Just like how the late 1920’s fell in love with her, I felt as though I was made helpless by her personality and looks. Dujardin’s George also brings in a powerhouse performance as a troubled and down on his luck actor. Drinking, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts all kept me on edge during his dark times, and during his lighter times, his exuberant charm is undeniable to deny. Also impossible to ignore is Uggie, the dog who did most of the legwork for George’s dog. An unbelievable acting job that held as much heart on screen with Dujardin, this dog is talented and it was a shame to hear that he had to be retired early.
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I loved this movie, which sort of took me by surprise as I went in with very low expectations. Not sure if I am as brave as you and ready to make the jump to start watching more silent films but they have to be better than watching the Phantom Menace in 3D like we did last week 😦
Nice post,
Never have I seen a full silent movie, but after reading I’m eager to. Movies made in those days are great, if a wonderful life is a good representation of the decade.
I also loved the scene where George starts to hear things.
If you want to watch a good Charlie Chaplin film try “The Great Dictator”.