Simplicity was missing all this while from the movies until The Artist came along.
Just as you are on the verge of losing faith in the prominence of 'pure undiluted acting' in films, Artist restores your belief in the magic of performances and simple storytelling over modern day high production values.
A heart-warming ode to the glorious era of silent cinema, The Artist proves 'Silence indeed speaks louder than words'! The 10 Oscar nominations and various wins at international festivals are very well deserving.
Set in 1927 Hollywood, French director/Writer Michel Hazanavicius tells us the lifestory of a famous movie star who rules the silent cinema but refuses to jump onto the bandwagon of the talkies. With younger actors preferred by studios, the ageing washed up superstar becomes reclusive with no hope of getting to relive his glory days.
The very talented French actor Jean Dujardin plays George Valentin, a leading superstar of silent cinema in Hollywood. From being a heartthrob of the ladies to being a no-body with no standing in the 'talkies', The Artist is the story of rise and doom of a movie star.
What happens when fame stops giving company and fans fancy new faces?
The film opens with George's cinema running to packed houses. Used to people's adulation, the good hearted celebrated hero poses for the press at his movie premiere.
Aspiring actress Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo) gathers outside the theatre to see George. She accidentally drops her autograph book as the crowd gets hysterical. As Peppy gets down to pick it up, she skips the security barricade thus stumbling into George. Love happens at first sight and only gets stronger as fate brings them together again and again. Years pass, tables are turned. Peppy's the rising star and George the fading one, what happens next?
The Artist is what it is because of its stupendous lead actors. Jean Dujardin plays his role with aplomb. Without uttering a single word, he shows the pain, angst, depression, pride in the best way possible. You feel for him from scene one!
Berenice Bejo compliments Jean with her earnest portrayal of Peppy. From being a wide-eyed ambitious aspiring actress to becoming a diva, Berenice is a natural.
The movie was apparently shot in colour but converted to black & white. The classic b&w cinematography helps you immerse yourselves into the golden age of silent cinema.
The film is a perfect amalgamation of comedy, romance and drama which widens it appeal for every moviegoer. Michel Hazanavicius's splendid writing and direction is flawless.
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The film has everything which you see lacking in modern day cinema: innocence and weightage to acting. The music which is the only thing you hear throughout the movie is perfectly melodramatic.
The Artist recreates the magic of silent cinema, making you revisit the era. When was the last time you laughed and cried with the protagonist of a film? Here you will without batting an eyelid!
The Artist is one of the finest and most heart-warming love stories of all time...Spellbinding.
Verdict: Outstanding
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