The Artist
Review by Anthony Morris
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The Artist
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The important thing to know going into French silent film, The Artist, is that it's a comedy, and a very funny one at that. You
may not have assumed that from the words "French silent film", but
right from the opening joke - a man being tortured says on a title card
"Ill never talk" – the tone is set for a film that's both a salute to
and an attempt to have fun with a kind of film that died out before
pretty much all of us were born.
George Valentin (Jean
Dujardin) is a star of the silent screen, appearing (alongside his dog
Nipper) in corny action thrillers and romances with an easy charm and
seductive smile. Bumping into average gal Peppy Miller
(Bérénice Bejo) at a premiere, his presence gives her a brief moment as
an "it" girl, and inspires her to go into the movies herself. She
becomes an extra and ends up sharing a dance scene with Valentin, and
in take after take we see them fall in love – a love that can’t be, as
Valentin is married. Then the talkies arrive, Valentin can’t adapt while Peppy’s star soars, and it looks like they’ll never be together. This
uses up pretty much every single joke that could be made about silent
film (there’s even a sequence where Valentin is terrified by the sounds
he – and we – suddenly hear) without wearing out it’s welcome, thanks
in large part to Dujardin’s convincing charm as a utterly likable,
completely self-absorbed ham. There’s a lot of fun bit
parts from American actors (John Goodman, James Cromwell) and the whole
thing really nails the feel of old-timey film production too. The Artist
is so much more enjoyable than you’d expect a project like this to be,
it’s no wonder it’s getting all that – rightfully deserved – attention
during awards season. Just remember to turn your phone off when you see it.
4 out
of 5
The Artist
Australian release: 2nd February,
2012
Official
Site: The Artist
Cast: John Goodman, Malcolm McDowell, Bitsie Tulloch, Missi Pyle, Penelope Ann Miller
Director: Michel Hazanavicius
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