The Artist (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
Nowadays, most movie-goers seem to think that "bigger & louder is always better". Well, writer/director Michel Hazanavicius & the lead character of 'The Artist' stake an argument that small-scale & quiet can also appeal. And thanks to this movie, I definitely understand the latter argument. As we see in the opening section of the film, back in the 1920's, technology was simpler, movies were silent, actors were larger than life, & there was an ease-of-entertainment factor. Audiences experienced magic at the cinema - they were enthralled. Not only does 'The Artist' hearken back to those simpler times, but by telling a story about 1920's Hollywood made in the style of that era (silent) ... it goes to show that there are art forms for everybody.
The narrative spans a 5 yr. period ending in 1932. For Hollywood, that was a time of enormous change/upheaval. The 1st "talkie" arrived & spelled doom for the "silent film". At the beginning of the film in 1927, actor George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is a huge star of the silent era wth more power than the directors/producers who back him. One day, after posing for a photo with Valentin, ardent fan Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo) catches the acting bug & appears as an extra in his next movie. Over the next 2 years - as "talkies" supplant "silent films" - Valentin's star trajectory flies downward into oblivion, while Peppy's rises to amazing heights. And by 1929, the head of Valentin's studio (John Goodman) breaks the sad news to his pal that they'll stop producing silent films.
Poo-pooing the idea, Valentin produces & directs himself in his own silent film ... which eventually flops (as it opens against Peppy's new hit). The stock market crash of '29 wipes Valentin out financially & he is forced to move into a small house with his loyal chauffeur (James Cromwell). Destitute, he sells his possessions to stay alive. Peppy becomes America's sweetheart while Valentin sinks into a 3 yr. period of severe depression. But just as he used his clout in '27 to vault Peppy into the movie business ... she returns the favor in his darkest hour. Whether or not he responds to her caring offer is another question.
Not only is 'The Artist' impeccably crafted (beautiful b&w cinematography, sets, costumes), and not only is it interesting to see the shift in Hollywood from silent films to talkies, but we also come to care about the characters. George Valentin is as goofy as he is suave. Peppy epitomizes wide-eyed optimism. And Valentin's dog, Uggie, is a great addition in the pantheon of cinema canines. The writer/director does something amazing, here: he gets us jaded 21st century audiences to see something 'new', by showing us how refreshingly innocent the 'old' movies really were. Romance, melodrama, charm ... 'The Artist' has it all. And the silent aspect (except for a few bursts of well-timed noise, and an orchestral score by Ludovic Bource) makes us focus all-the-more on the sounds & sights.
The actors are sensational at recalling the kinds of people & big screen personalities from over 85 yrs. ago (adopting a larger-than-life, grandiose style onscreen). Jean Dujardin is a revelation, here. Not only does he totally look the part of a Hollywood star from the 20's, but he acts it, as well (nailing every broad stroke & nuanced mannerism you'd expect). He's funny. He's mischievous. His dancing skills are great. And most importantly, the dark personal journey he goes on in the wake of his career & financial collapse is heartbreaking. You pull for him to see the light of day. And Berenice Bejo is beguiling as young starlet, Peppy. When you find out what she's been doing for Valentin (all through his years of turmoil), it just makes you fall in love with her all over again.
Movie-going tastes have changed. This movie would have been mainstream entertainment long ago; enthralling audiences along the way. I think director Michel Hazanavicius aims to pay homage to that, while also making a statement about 'change'. There's no doubting that there's a novelty feel, here; a boldly nostalgic black & white silent film about black & white silent films ... but it's more than just that. Yes, the content within the screenplay is on the lighter side ('well-crafted fluff', some would say). But I think the film goes to show us that no one (even those with greatness - like Valentin) is ready for radical change in their own art form. Technology is always evolving. Change is difficult. And you must swallow your pride & embrace the changes or get lost in the shuffle.
The narrative spans a 5 yr. period ending in 1932. For Hollywood, that was a time of enormous change/upheaval. The 1st "talkie" arrived & spelled doom for the "silent film". At the beginning of the film in 1927, actor George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is a huge star of the silent era wth more power than the directors/producers who back him. One day, after posing for a photo with Valentin, ardent fan Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo) catches the acting bug & appears as an extra in his next movie. Over the next 2 years - as "talkies" supplant "silent films" - Valentin's star trajectory flies downward into oblivion, while Peppy's rises to amazing heights. And by 1929, the head of Valentin's studio (John Goodman) breaks the sad news to his pal that they'll stop producing silent films.
Poo-pooing the idea, Valentin produces & directs himself in his own silent film ... which eventually flops (as it opens against Peppy's new hit). The stock market crash of '29 wipes Valentin out financially & he is forced to move into a small house with his loyal chauffeur (James Cromwell). Destitute, he sells his possessions to stay alive. Peppy becomes America's sweetheart while Valentin sinks into a 3 yr. period of severe depression. But just as he used his clout in '27 to vault Peppy into the movie business ... she returns the favor in his darkest hour. Whether or not he responds to her caring offer is another question.
Not only is 'The Artist' impeccably crafted (beautiful b&w cinematography, sets, costumes), and not only is it interesting to see the shift in Hollywood from silent films to talkies, but we also come to care about the characters. George Valentin is as goofy as he is suave. Peppy epitomizes wide-eyed optimism. And Valentin's dog, Uggie, is a great addition in the pantheon of cinema canines. The writer/director does something amazing, here: he gets us jaded 21st century audiences to see something 'new', by showing us how refreshingly innocent the 'old' movies really were. Romance, melodrama, charm ... 'The Artist' has it all. And the silent aspect (except for a few bursts of well-timed noise, and an orchestral score by Ludovic Bource) makes us focus all-the-more on the sounds & sights.
The actors are sensational at recalling the kinds of people & big screen personalities from over 85 yrs. ago (adopting a larger-than-life, grandiose style onscreen). Jean Dujardin is a revelation, here. Not only does he totally look the part of a Hollywood star from the 20's, but he acts it, as well (nailing every broad stroke & nuanced mannerism you'd expect). He's funny. He's mischievous. His dancing skills are great. And most importantly, the dark personal journey he goes on in the wake of his career & financial collapse is heartbreaking. You pull for him to see the light of day. And Berenice Bejo is beguiling as young starlet, Peppy. When you find out what she's been doing for Valentin (all through his years of turmoil), it just makes you fall in love with her all over again.
Movie-going tastes have changed. This movie would have been mainstream entertainment long ago; enthralling audiences along the way. I think director Michel Hazanavicius aims to pay homage to that, while also making a statement about 'change'. There's no doubting that there's a novelty feel, here; a boldly nostalgic black & white silent film about black & white silent films ... but it's more than just that. Yes, the content within the screenplay is on the lighter side ('well-crafted fluff', some would say). But I think the film goes to show us that no one (even those with greatness - like Valentin) is ready for radical change in their own art form. Technology is always evolving. Change is difficult. And you must swallow your pride & embrace the changes or get lost in the shuffle.