A hit at Cannes, The London Film Festival and pretty much anywhere else it played in 2011, ‘The Artist’ has what they call in the industry ‘buzz’ surrounding it. But can a movie made in France and without any dialogue truly challenge the American film industry’s favourite son, George Clooney, whose film ‘The Descendants’ is also tipped for glory?
Set in Hollywood and beginning in 1927, we meet George Valentin (Jean Dujardin), a hero of the silent era who is loved and admired by everyone thanks to his hit silent movies. A chance meeting with aspiring actress Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo) at one of his premieres shoots the young lady into the spotlight, as she becomes the new ‘It Girl’ and face of the new wave of ‘talkies’ taking over the industry. Dismissing sound as a fad, Valentin forges ahead with his silent opus, but as financial problems and the popularity of sound rise, Valentin find himself ruined and outdated. A broken man, Valentin tries to rebuild his life and career, but his own pride may just get in the way.
A joy from beginning to end, ‘The Artist’ is one of the best offerings for true cinema lovers in all of 2011. Filmed in 4:3 aspect ratio (i.e. not widescreen), in black and white, and almost completely silent aside from the mesmerising soundtrack, director Michel Hazanavicius strips down everything and produces simple, pure storytelling. Combined with a faithful recreation of golden era Hollywood, the film also is a story of pride, fear of the future, and ultimately love, which warms every part of you. The production values are also something quite special, as the sets take your breath away.
Central to all of this is a startling central partnership from Dujardin and Bejo. For both, they achieve something quite impressive in the fact that without lines, they convey two award-worthy performances. Dujardin is a man who seems snatched from another era- all the glitz and suave charm of a silent era icon, yet when the story requires it he unveils a weak and somewhat desperate side to the character. Bejo’s eyes sparkle with the enthusiasm of everyone who ever got off the bus to Tinseltown hoping to make it big, and with the slightest flick of a waist or raise of an eyebrow she can say a whole page worth of dialogue. Elsewhere, several famous faces pop up in supporting roles (Malcolm McDowell in a strange but amusing cameo), the stand-out’s being James Cromwell, brimming with quiet dignity as Valentin’s driver and friend, while John Goodman, seems perfect as a studio boss.
Given the academy’s track record of giving the wrong movie the ‘Best Film’ Oscar, it’s likely that this will miss out come February and be remembered as the film that should have won, however any and all attention that gets people to notice this wonderful film is surely a good thing. Funny, sweet, moving and superbly made, this is a treat for lovers of cinema. If you’ve ever bemoaned that they don’t make ‘em like they used to; or just want something that will make you feel happy, then this is it. A very special film.
Dir. Michel Hazanavicius - Released in cinemas on December 30.
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