The Artist
Director: Michel Hazanavicius
By Alex Watson
If someone had told you that one the front runners for this year’s Oscars, would be a French, silent movie. You would have laughed and asked them to move along. This year such a film exists, and it’s called The Artist. Silent films have been out of vogue since the “talkies” arrived in the early 1930’s. There have been references to their era, in such classic films as Sunset Boulevard and Singing in the Rain. Does director, Michel Hazanavicius, bring this genre back to life?
The main story is set in 1920’s Hollywood and involves silent movie legend, George Valentin (Jean DeJardin) who is promoting his latest film. At the premiere he has a chance encounter with up-and-comer Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo). It is clear from the get-go that the two are very much attracted to each other, and love might be on the cards! But gradually, their careers take opposite turns as the introduction of the talking picture slowly kills Valentin’s career, and Miller rises up the ranks and becomes a serious rival! But the burning light of love never quite dims.
The Artist; reminds of a classic era of cinema which has gone, but is never forgotten. It was a time where actions drove the picture and the star gave the film its feel. Here, we are reminded of the old physical comedy that the greats such as Keaton, Chaplin and Harold Lloyd brought us memorably. Through Hazanavicius’ great visual eye we are brought a love letter to the very idea of cinema. 1920’s Hollywood is stunningly re-created and from the very beginning there is a child-like excitement in the air. It is as if we are re-visiting a former time in our lives and feel the magic nostalgia that goes with it.
At the centre of the film, there is a love story in the grand tradition. George and Peppy, are the original on-screen love story: a pairing that seem destined for success together and perhaps a little more! But they are torn apart by the passing of time. This relationship brings across many different emotions such as love, guilt and finally remorse of for what could have been. As time passes, we feel the pining of the two principle characters and all the way through the movie we are praying for their re-union. Never before has love been so sentimentally portrayed. No over-long and corny speeches; just painful, longing eyes.
More than anything, The Artist focuses on just how cruel the end of the silent era was. Actors were thrown on the scrap heap and forced aside for the ‘new meat’. Valentin’s career decline and Miller’s riserepresents the change point. At the beginning of the picture we see a happy, smiling man who is riding high. At first he laughs off the talking picture. But the more popular they become, the less his films are seen. His refusal to talk in the film is symbolic of him clinging to his silent success. One key scene that demonstrates this- is when Valentin is sat in his dressing room with a glass of whiskey. As he puts the glass down, a sound is heard for the first time! Suddenly, all kinds of sounds filter in. We see him try to cry out but no words can be heard. Thus showing a silent man trapped in a world where sound is king. This gives the indication for later events.
The real success of The Artist; is down to its charming leading duo. Jean Dejardin holds the screen with effortless charisma. We see a real star of the old times, stripped of his dignity and reduced to the shadows. His brilliant expressionist acting conveys all the emotions we feel and sharing is all the more devastating. Berenice Bojo makes for a graceful leading lady, a girl with all the new talents that illustrate Valentin’s demise. The chemistry between them brings a sparkle to the screen and truly warms our hearts.
While some might look down upon The Artist and its silent, expressionist idea, others will embrace this welcome return to the silent era. It is a fitting tribute to the golden age that truly captures the spirit. For anyone who truly loves cinema, this is a picture that needs to be seen. Dejardin, Bojo and Hazanavicius make a creative and artistic trio and I am very excited for the work they bring in the future. Silent lovers rejoice; the age is revived!
Closer to the Edge 