If you haven’t seen The Artist, you probably know at least the basic facts:
- It’s silent
- It’s officially (as of yesterday) an Oscar nominee in 10 different categories
- The dog is an amazing actor
Image by: maguiresmovies.blogspot.com
Even if you aren’t into artsy movies or vintage silent gems, this movie is worth watching.
Set in Hollywood in the 1920s, The Artist tells the story of silent movie star George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) and his struggle with the transition from silent films to the “Talkies” (movies with sound).
Valentin is a beloved actor and along with his constant companion Jack the dog, draws crowds of fans at every movie premier. One of his admirers is the young and vibrant Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo), an aspiring actress who charms Valenin’s fans by making the front page of the paper by planting a kiss on Valentin’s cheek. They meet again on the set of his latest film where she is an extra, and Valentin is immediately captivated by her. The two form an instant bond and Valentin gives Miller guidance and a beauty mark and from there she slowly evolves through her career.
It’s soon revealed that studio producer Al Zimmer (John Goodman) is planning to stop production of silent films and focus on the up-and-coming “talkies”, excluding Valentin who scoffs at the idea of a film with sound. Valentin decides to fund his own silent film which opens on the same night that Miller, who is now America’s Sweetheart, opens her latest “talkie” film with Zimmer’s studio. Valentin’s film bombs, making him resentful towards everyone associated with the old studio, including Miller.
As the next few years progress, Valentin’s life continues to unravel as he loses his wife, home and career, leaving him with his only friend, Jack the dog. He hits his lowest points as he struggles to cope with his new and unfavourable life, refusing to swallow his pride and accept the world with sound.
Oscar recognition
Both Dujardin and Bejo are up for Oscars for their roles in this film. The lack of dialogue is obvious to viewers in the first few minutes of this film, but the musical score and the visual acting quickly develop into a script through subtext and occasional text slides.
Jack the dog, played by Uggie of Water for Elephants fame, is often quipped to be deserving of an Oscar for his role, sparking debates over whether animals in films are just following orders- or if they can actually act. The interesting thing with Jack in this silent film is that since no one else is using verbal dialogue to communicate, there are moments where it’s as though the dog is speaking as poignantly as the humans who share the scene with him.
I was asked after seeing The Artist if it really was worth going to the theatre for or if would be suitable to pass as a renter. Definitely see it in the theatre! If you must rent it, rent it, but this movie is one you that need to be completely immersed in, surrounded by the (Oscar-nominated) musical score to fully experience the non-verbal dialogue that makes this movie a strong Oscar contender for Best Original Screenplay.
Have you seen The Artist? Let us know what you thought in the comments below.
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January 25, 2012
Movies