Year: 2011
Country: France/Belgium
Language: Silent (with some english dialogue)
Number: 1103
Director: Michel Hazanavicius
Starring: Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell
Michel Hazanavicius' The Artist is actually a silent movie made in the 21st century, using only title card and a musical score to tell the story besides the moving images. Who could have thought that they would eventually make a silent film now and that it would be a good one, a serious one with all the same elements, and with some meta film themes. This is the greatest tribute anyone could have made, and I hope this movie that can be as immortal as any other silent film.
The story takes place in the late 1920s where the silent actor George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) who's the most popular superstar of his time. But one day he bombs into and fall in love with the young Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo) whom he meets out side of the premier of his newest movie. And they meet again at the set where Peppy and George really fall for each other, but it will never work because of their differences and George already got an annoying wife (Penelope Ann Miller). But suddenly an invention named talking pictures is about ruin George's career, while Peppy becomes the new star. How will George survive this?
This is simply the best way of celebrate the magic of movie in general, both silents and sounds. Many of the movies within a movie is pretty funny because of all the typical silent film trademarks. Jean Dujardin is simply a delight, and he's smile is so contagious that I can't help myself from laugh. He's screen partner Bérénice Bejo is also pretty charming and they have the perfect chemistry. There's also many good supporting actors, such as James Cromwell as George's faithful servant. And of course John Goodman as the stereotypical overweight Hollywood producer Al Zimmer who always have a cigar in his mouth. And I must not forget the other star, George's best friend and sidekick, a dog named Uggie.
It's actually kind of funny and mind blowing that this is the first silent film that I've watched in a movie theater, it was a special experience and I hope it's not the last. This movie deserves every of it's Academy Awards and the ticket was worth every penny. Thumbs up.
Grade: A
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