Movie Name:- The Artist

Release Date:- 23 November 2011

Directed By:- Michel Hazanavicius

Produced By:- Thomas Langmann

Category / Genres:- Romance, Comedy, Drama,

IMDB Rating:- 8.3

Run Time:- 100 Minutes

Star Cast:- Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell, Penelope Ann Miller, Missi Pyle, Beth Grant, Ed Lauter, Joel Murray, Bitsie Tulloch, Ken Davitian, Malcolm McDowell, Basil Hoffman, Bill Fagerbakke, Nina Siemaszko,

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The Artist Movie Story Line:- The Artist is a romantic French film by director Michel Hazanavicius, in which this extraordinary filmmaker treads on new grounds, creating a cinematic masterpiece. The film tells a story about the fading of silent movies. Interestingly, this movie is itself, a black-and-white silent film. Jean Dujardin, who won the best actor award for the film, at the Cannes Film Festival, 2011, excels in his portrayal of George Valentin, a famous silent actor in the film, who is gradually losing his spotlight, with the emergence of talking movies. Just when he seems to have reached a hopeless dead-end in his career, his paths cross with Peppy Miller, a beautiful aspiring actress (played by the director’s off-screen wife), who is beginning the journey that he is about to complete. They strike an unlikely romance, which they are both aware, has no hope of lasting long. The emotions of these two lovers are captured in a deeply moving manner, with the medium of music and the occasional inter-titles being the only link between what we can see and what they are going through. The movie might have been a risky undertaking by Hazanavicius, but it definitely proves to be worth it, as it offers us a refreshing bite of cinema, which is like nothing we’ve ever tasted before. You can watch The Artist online to be a part of this brilliant form of art, which might have been forgotten forever, had it not been for this commendable effort by the French filmmaker.

The Artist Movie Review:- The Artist had quite the reputation going for it before it debuted at the Cinema Arts Festival in Houston, Texas. Early reviews were already very positive and many Houston critics were talking about how much they were anticipating getting the chance to see it. I purposely went in blind and only found out just moments before I entered the theater that it was a silent film and was not only shot in but would be presented in the now practically ancient 1.33:1 aspect ratio. A black and white silent feature film made in modern times; what's not to like about that? Truth be told, nothing can really prepare you for how extraordinary The Artist really is.

George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is the king of silent movies in Hollywood in 1927. Audiences just adore everything George is a part of. Along comes Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo) who you just know is going to be a huge star some day. George and Peppy work together on one film as George not only takes her under his wing, but an undeniable spark develops between the two. Over the course of the next few years, silent movies fade into obscurity as talking pictures or "talkies" explode onto the scene. George finds himself struggling for not only work, but a purpose to live as Peppy becomes the next big thing overnight.

The Artist is funny and charming right out the gate. Jean Dujardin really plays to the crowd and appears to love nothing more than catering to the people who come to see his films. George's dog Jack might be the biggest form of comic relief in the film. The way he plays dead and covers his head with his paws are always both presented in a way that is fresh and laugh out loud funny each and every time they're utilized. Once Bérénice Bejo enters the picture, the film begins to evolve into a type of romance. It's odd though because to my recollection George and Peppy never kiss. Peppy seems to steal the spotlight in the same way George does as soon as you see her dance for the first time. The laughs are there, the charms are there, The Artist has a firm grip on your heart and your attention and never really lets go.

The film eventually begins to get a bit darker though as silent movies wither away and talking pictures take their spot. George's downward spiral is really fantastic to watch. It's mostly due to not only Dujardin's superb performance, but also the way many of these scenes are filmed. There's a scene where George is sitting down at a mirror table drinking whiskey. You see nothing but George, his reflection, and the alcohol. He pours the booze on the tabletop as the look of disgust becomes more chiseled on his brow. That scene is so beyond amazing. The brilliant music used in the film also just captures the time period perfectly. There's also this dream that George has right before he's let go from his contract where he can't speak, but everything around him has sound. That sequence is really spectacular, as well.

The Artist can get a little dark at times, but for the most part is extremely lighthearted and feel-good at its core. Never have I wanted a movie to end on a happy note so badly in my life. Through the highs and the lows of George Valentin and the depressing outcome of his career along with the heartwarming sensation you get from nearly everything in between, the entire experience just feels so real; so genuine. The Artist is just pure perfection, a masterpiece, and an instant classic.