The Artist: A Wonderful Trip to the Past

It seems odd that a film this innovative is pulling something from the past.  Silent films were once what everybody saw as one of their main sources of entertainment, and now it may be seen as a risk to make one.  Technology has improved and cinema has changed, but The Artist proves that silent films have not lost their charm.
The Artist, directed by Michel Hazanavicius, tells the story of George Valentin (Jean Dejurdin), a celebrated silent film actor.  While on a film set, Valentin meets Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo), and the two are instantly smitten with each other.  However, the introduction of “talkies” leads the two in opposite directions, Miller’s career is launched, but Valentin refuses to give up silent films, and loses everything.
First off, do not be put off by the silent aspect of this film.  Some people have been skeptical about seeing a film that takes a step back, but if you are one of those people, you are missing out on something special. The lack of dialogue is what makes this film so magical.  The acting, the directing, and everything else involved in making The Artist make you almost forget that you are watching a silent film.  It speaks more than most films made today can.
The lack of voice also leads to a great story.  The downfall of George Valentin is one of the most memorable of 2011, and by far one of the most original.  There are two times I recall that I was really surprised by what happened, but I wouldn’t dare spoil them here.  You’ll know exactly what I’m talking about when you see it).
The actors in The Artist are supremely entertaining.  It seems silent film acting might be harder to do than normal acting, as the actor obviously needs to intrigue the audience without words.  Jean Dujardin pulls this challenge off with grace, never letting you pull your eyes away from the screen.  Without him, The Artist may not have been as entertaining as it is.  The supporting cast does not fall short either, with people like Bérénice Bejo giving just as great performances as Dujardin.
As expected from a silent film, the music is fantastic.  It’s all you here, so it would be wrong if the music was not good.  It’s not one of those scores where it always tells you exactly how you should be feeling at that moment, but its enough to give the film the correct tone it needs.  Good luck getting your foot to stop tapping.
Be grateful that The Artist just got a wider release.  This is a film that has to be experienced in theaters.  When there is no sound whatsoever, and all you can hear is the film reel rolling behind you, it’s beautiful.  There’s nothing better than watching this movie with that sound going on behind you.  Go see this before leaves theaters.
Before seeing this, I realized my top two films of 2011, Drive and The Tree of Life, both have very little dialogue, and speak in their own ways.  Being a silent film, The Artist obviously has very little dialogue.  After seeing it, I can now say that my top three films of 2011 all share a lack of too much speaking.