The Artist (2011)

October 16, 2022 8:45 AM

In the 1920s, actor George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is a bona fide matinee idol with many adoring fans. While working on his latest film, George finds himself falling in love with an ingenue named Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo) and, what's more, it seems Peppy feels the same way. But George is reluctant to cheat on his wife with the beautiful young actress. The growing popularity of sound in movies further separates the potential lovers, as George's career begins to fade while Peppy's star rises. A loving tribute to silent film.

Also starring John Goodman, James Cromwell, Penelope Ann Miller, Missi Pyle, Beth Grant.

Written and directed by Michel Hazanavicius.

95% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

Currently streaming in the US on Kanopy, Hoopla, FreeVee. Mubi, PLuto, Redbox, and Tubi. Also available for digital rental on multiple outlets. JustWatch listing.

posted by DirtyOldTown (3 comments total)

I love this movie. Jean Dujardin is wonderful. Now I need to go rewatch it.
posted by miss-lapin at 10:01 AM on October 16, 2022

Such a great movie. I really makes the love for old movies come alive.
Tx for reminding me. I also will go rewatch.
posted by jouke at 10:12 AM on October 16, 2022

This is a rare film in that (for me, anyway) the final line completely reframes the whole experience. I talked with another film buff about this soon after The Artist came out and we agreed that the accent was intentional, and a brilliant twist on George's difficulties and motivations. But then an interview with Jean Dujardin suggests otherwise:

But the idea that Valentin’s accent was the reason he couldn’t make the leap to talking movies? “Ah, no. We never thought of that.” No? “No. That is coming up now, obviously, when folks hear ‘wiz pléjure’ they understand why he had trouble getting into the talkies,” he says with a laugh. But that wasn’t the goal? “No, that wasn’t conscious at all. Not at all.”

posted by Paragon at 12:59 PM on October 16, 2022 [3 favorites]