Recommendation: 4/5 Stars
The Cinephile’s Journey is an attempt to watch and review every film that has won The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Oscar for Best Picture.
Plot: “An egomaniacal film star develops a relationship with a young dancer against the backdrop of Hollywood’s silent era.” -IMDB
Review: When Hollywood turns the camera on itself and tells its own story, it often induces eye rolls from the most hardened critics. Not from me, though. Hollywood has told countless stories about people, professions, and creatives the world over. Should it ignore its own story and the people who make movies happen? I do not think so. In fact, when done correctly and with eyes wide open, these sorts of films often rank as some of my favorites. The Artist is one of those films.
Simply put, this film is a celebration of Hollywood’s silent era. It is also an open invitation to spend some time with these classic films and to deepen one’s understanding of what made so many of them foundational.
For much of our story, this movie is told with nothing more than orchestral accompaniment and dialogue screens. It is meant to fully transport you to a world where sheer acting and music convey emotion. An actor’s choices gave the words being read on the screen their meaning. But a change was on the horizon, and seemingly overnight, the world did exactly that.
But this movie does not just turn the sound on to show the monumental change. After brushing aside the coming transition, our lead actor, George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) experiences a cacophony of sound. As an audience member, this is our first-time experiencing sound too. The experience is jarring and earthshaking. It also signifies nothing will ever be the same.
Because of his refusal to adapt to this new world, George finds himself on the wrong side of has-been. As a relic of the silent era, he can only watch in disbelief as a budding young actress he met on set begins a meteoric rise. Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo) fully embraces sound and all its possibilities. As she does, we watch her ascend to the greatest heights in Hollywood. Meanwhile, George loses his riches, his wife, and his fame.
Of course, this would not be a Hollywood movie if it also was not a story about second chances. Using her fame and influence, Peppy extends a hand to George, hoping he will finally hear the sound of change. His choice? I wouldn’t dare ruin that for you.
I adore this film. It is not controversial. It does not break new ground or tell an unfamiliar story, but it takes a known idea and presents it in a new way. Its technical choices are what I find endearing and keep me coming back for more.
Be good to each other,
Nathan