The Artist

"The Artist" is a French, silent, Comedy/Dramatic film released in 2011, it was directed by Michel Hazanavicius and it stars Jean Dujardin as George Valentin, a successful silent movie star who is struggling to make the jump to "talkies" and Bérénice Bejo as Peppy Miller, an aspiring actress that thanks to a twist of fate ends up becoming a star herself, thanks in part to an unexpected encounter with Valentin.

The movie is set in the late 20's / early 30's Hollywood and it depicts with perfect accuracy the movie industry that was just starting to develop back then. Everything from the vintage automobiles to the buildings, the makeup and the costumes are stunningly accurate.

This film is just stunning, everything from the incredible performances that both Dujardin and Bejo manage to deliver, to the incredible musical acts is nearly flawless, the script is very strong and even though it is very linear, it is a script that can be appreciated by people from all ages. The characters are rich and never in any way do they feel one-dimensional. The camera work and the cinematography are a joy to witness and the soundtrack (definitely one of the most important aspects of this film seeing as how this is a silent film) is spectacular.

Do not be mistaken, "The Artist" is easily the best film of 2011 and it will most certainly sweep at the Academy Awards later this year. The innovative vision brought to the screen by Michel Hazanavicius is truly a tour de force that will make you cry, it will make you laugh, it will make you dance and it will make glad you lived long enough to watch this beauty. In fact, this film has already won 3 golden globe awards (Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and Best Original Score), this film has been included in over 15 top ten lists for best films of 2011 and it currently holds a 97% approval rating in the review aggregator rotten tomatoes.

I for one am glad that the Weinsteins decided to take a huge risk on this film as the result is undoubtedly fantastic. Even though not a single word is said during the course of this film, the film says more than $200 million of special effects could ever say. And we definitely need to see more movies like this. Some people have told me before that I am biased towards French cinema but how could I not be when they keep constantly putting out excellent films like these? Do yourself a favor and watch this whenever you get a chance to.