An ode to silent films and the Golden Age of the Silver Screen, The Artist could easily become camp yet manages to rise above the novelty of black and white scenes, dialogue replaced by caption cards and a 4:3 aspect ratio. The film succeeds because it preserves the magic of Hollywood, not the techniques of 1920s filmmaking. Ultimately, the purpose of films is to entertain; silent films became obsolete when viewers wanted to see “talkies” and black and white films were replaced when colour was demanded. The Artist aspires to entertain the audience with a simple and charming story and elaborate effects are not necessary.
The plot is simple enough but serves a purpose to tell a deeper story about love and the world’s desire for entertainment. George Valentin is a leading silent film star and Peppy Miller is one of his adoring fans. Inspired by George, Peppy enters the movie industry and makes it big as George falls from grace. Although their careers are on opposite trajectories, the two remained infatuated with each other.
The screenplay is very funny; perhaps it is because the cards are used so sparingly that the writers can avoid the temptation to fill the silence with meaningless chatter. Since so few words are used, the actors must communicate their emotions through facial expressions and body language. As they fall out of fashion in The Artist, silent films are criticized because they force actors to emote instead of act. Stars Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo, supported by an ensemble cast featuring John Goodman and James Cromwell, show how skilled actors can draw in the audience and get their point across without many words.
Director Michel Hazanavicius should be commended for his creativity although he needed to produce a successful track record before studios would jump on board. With or without the silent film gimmicks, Hazanavicius puts the viewer in the protagonist’s perspective: showcasing his arrogance and pride early in the film and his anger and desperation later. Valentin begins the film so incapable of interacting with others that he relates better to his dog and hallucinations that those around him. After he hits rock bottom, he finally learns to work with others and how to help himself.
Sometimes, all a film needs is a classic story, a fell compelling characters and a happy ending. Whether The Artist stands the test of time is unknown although it has met the expectations of fans and critics alike who were looking for a brief diversion. ****