Review of The Artist (2011) by Danny R — 11 Mar 2016

One of the most original, poignant and creative motion pictures in recent memory which is brilliantly directed by Michel Hazanavicius. It is a love letter to a bygone era, this silent, black & white masterpiece concerns George Valentin, played by French actor Jean Dujardin who's layered performance is nothing short of phenomenal, he has already won the Palma d'Or and Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor and has just received an Academy Award nomination for his terrific turn; a narcissistic matinee idol and established movie star, who is every inch a silent-movie icon with his pencil-thin mustache, slick back hair and killer smile.

Ignoring the warnings from Al Zimmer, wonderfully played by John Goodman a powerful studio producer who tells him that talkies will becoming the next big thing, but George does not listen and refuses to change up his act, his career falls into oblivion and he collapses into poverty and alcoholism, while a young bit-actress named Peppy Miller, superbly played by Berenice Bejo in an Oscar nominated performance her career takes off into full-fledge stardom.

All the actors in this film are exceptional in their performances, in which they use body language and facial expressions to relay their meanings, and this speak volumes and greatly aids in telling the story.

Superlative supporting performances from James Cromwell, Penelope Ann Miller, Mssi Pyle, Ed Lauter and Malcom McDowell. Special kudos must go to the scene-stealing Jack Russell Terrier who plays George's faithful dog who's every appearance on the screen will make you smile.

The films majestic imagery is truly breathtaking thanks to Guillaume Schiffman's mesmerizing black & white cinematography; for anyone who is reluctant to see this gem of a motion picture because it is a silent movie, I say to them, do yourself a big favor and watch it, because you will be delightfully, surprised and throughly entertained from beginning to end.

Funny, charming and heartbreaking a total cinematic triumph. Nominated for 10 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director: Michel Hazanavicius. Highly Recommended.