The Artist - 4 smiles

“The Artist” is a totally enjoyable movie-going experience. It’s a black and white movie (gasp!)…..a silent black and white movie (double gasp!). Written and directed by Michel Hazanavicius, it’s about old Hollywood transitioning from silent movies to talkies and Jean Dujardin is wonderful as George Valentin, the dashing star of countless silent-movie epics. George resists the efforts of studio chief Al Zimmer (John Goodman) to try talkies. Stuck in a loveless marriage, George nonetheless falls in love with Peppy Miller (Argentine Bérénice Bejo), a bit player who hits it big in the sound era while George’s career crumbles. Only Clifton (the always effective James Cromwell), his chauffeur and his dog Uggy (a scene-stealing Jack Russell terrier) stick by George through his fall. Luckily Peppy is around to rescue the man she loves.

“The Artist” makes us realize how powerfully performers once acted through movement and facial expressions. As Valentin, Dujardin shines. His elegant physicality, perhaps reminiscent of Douglas Fairbanks, speaks volumes and his volatile emotions animate his features. The jury at this year’s Cannes Film Festival gave Dujardin the Best Actor award. Bejo embodies the vitality of her character’s name and her radiant smile brightens all corners of the screen. And Uggy, who proves to be quite resourceful, is absolutely adorable. Hazanavicius is French, as are his stars, Dujardin and Bejo, but they shot the movie in Los Angeles and all of the dialogue is in English – that is, dialogue that is never heard but mouthed or shown in subtitles until the last scene. “The Artist,” a most delightful and engaging film, is certainly a must see. It’s another movie that will find itself on Oscar’s list for Best Picture and Best Director. 11/9/11