The Artist
Starring: Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell
Director: Michel Hazanavicius
Rating: 5/5
Cinema has always loved to look back into its history and throw on the rose tinted glasses. Nostalgia runs so deep in the core of Hollywood, it should have its own star on the walk of fame. But while many films claim to love the past, few are brave enough to completely commit to their passion.
The Artist is exactly that film. But the question is, can a silent, black-and-white film still hold up in the modern age? The answer is a resounding yes.
The Artist brings us George Valentin (Jean Dujardin), a silent movie star with the world at his feet. When he meets Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo), an up-and-coming actress with a bright future ahead and Valentin’s biggest fan, nothing can bring him down as sparks fly between the two on set.
All until the arrival of ‘the talkie’. Unable to handle and adapt to this new format and bankrupted by the stock market crash, George is cast aside with only his ever-present dog and valet Clifton (James Cromwell) by his side. All while Peppy rises to glory and stardom in the new world of talking pictures.
In an age before snappy dialogue could overcome nearly anything, star power and charming characters were king.
Luckily The Artist has the latter is spades. From the effervescent Peppy to George’s faithful canine sidekick, this is a film packed full of truly lovable characters.
All apart from George himself. Vain, stubborn and ignorant, he’s never truly endearing, and is a weak centre for the film.
That doesn’t stop Jean Dujardin giving a fantastic performance, making George a magnetic screen presence.
This is a feat matched by the rest of the cast with Bejo, Cromwell and John Goodman (as the film studio’s head) perfectly capturing the feel of the silent movie. Emotive, expressive, but never mugging, it’s an acting lesson throughout.
The same can be said for Hazanavicious’ work behind the lens, with The Artist beautifully shot throughout. Special notice must be given to Ludovic Bource’s note perfect music, proving ideal accompaniment for the on-screen exploits. That you never miss colour, voices or widescreen says all you need to know about The Artist’s technical triumphs.
More than just a 100 minute gimmick like some feared, The Artist provides a truly unique viewing experience, a real treat for any cinephile and a love letter to a by-gone age of film.
Funny, fascinating, wonderfully light and touching, The Artist is a wonderful nod the Hollywood’s past and proves that silence really can be golden.
The Artist is out now.
FemaleFirst Cameron Smith
Tagged in John Goodman