Movie Review: "The Artist"

In our family, most of the movies we see usually star Muppets, kung fu pandas, or large green ogres. Recently our daughter had an all day activity planned that did not include us, so I suggested that my wife Laura and I see a movie that has been nominated and won quite a few awards, called The Artist.

As you may have heard, this is a black-and-white “silent” movie, a throwback to the movies of the 1920’s. It is not truly silent, as there is soundtrack music and, in a critical part of the story, a few words are spoken. It takes place between 1927 and 1932, when Hollywood was making the transition between silent movies and “talkies”. Many silent era stars did not survive the transition, and this is the story of one silent movie star’s struggle to be relevant in the new era of spoken sound in the movies.

Jean Dujardin plays George Valentin, the swashbuckling star who resists the new medium, and Bérénice Bejo plays Peppy Miller, a rising starlet poised the be the next Hollywood sensation. The story of their relationship, one rising, one falling, is completely enthralling. You are quickly drawn into the story, and you are propelled along, bearing witness to a story that is both tragic and ultimately uplifting. Jean Dujardin is excellent in his role, and Berenice Bejo is gorgeous and completely convincing as the Next Big Thing. Oh, and George’s canine companion Uggie, steals every scene as his faithful companion with Lassie-like abilities. There is a wonderful dancing number as well.

“The Artist” could be described as “A Star is Born” meets “Singin’ in the Rain”. Come Academy Awards time, it is sure to take home at least a few Oscars. The direction and cinematography is outstanding. Even Uggie the dog deserves one! At least we can say we saw one Best Picture nominee. Now, if Laura and I can just see “The Descendants” before then…