The Artist

“The Artist” is one of the most exciting and interesting film endeavors to be viewed in a long long time. The movie casts French film stars Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo with more recognizable celebrities such as Penelope Ann Miller, Malcolm MacDowell and John Goodman in this almost silent film (in black and white) depicting events in the industry in Hollywood from approximately 1920 until the advent of the talkies in 1932. Written and directed by Michael Hazenavicius, perhaps much of the credit should go to music director Ludovic Bource whose incredible score during this almost 100 minutes of film without sound (other than the music) is the reason the project works. As you view this “silent movie” one realizes how our fathers and grandfathers in the first 30 years of the 20th century could sit and simply watch but not hear actors "talking" on the screen. Suddenly one realizes that the unsung stars of all of these silent emporiums were the organ players or musicians who not only played beautiful music but did it in sync and in total coordination with what was happening on the screen. Mr. Bource and his score accomplishes that and then some. It is difficult to even imagine the film working (as it does) without hearing the music which supports and, indeed, is the true co-star of the film. Remember, too, that all of this is being viewed by an audience born and bred in the era of talking pictures so to achieve such a wonderful result is a testament to the acting, writing, directing, musical scoring and editing of this fine film. Although the story is “hokey’ and reminiscent of the “A Star is Born” genre, the movie takes us into the world of silent films and the trials and tribulations of those who can and cannot make the transition to the new medium. Yes, I confess that I did look at my watch twice but only to make sure and satisfy myself that the film had more to go and wasn’t ending when I thought it might. My wishes were granted and I was able to see a wonderful product taken to its proper completion. I give this film four stars and urge, no, insist, that those who enjoy great filmmaking not miss this extraordinary film experience.