THE ARTIST

Ever since silent films began their slow fade in the 1920s, directors such as Guy Maddin and Mel Brooks have paid homage to the humble beginnings of cinema and the poetic nature the era preceding the ‘talkies.’

Director Michael Hazanavicious adds to the canon, perfectly capturing this poetry in The Artist, in which Hollywood’s biggest star, George Valentin, refuses to believe that films with sound could ever take over the silver screen. At a film premiere, he meets Peppy Miller, an aspiring actress, with whom he has instant chemistry. Valentin suggests she develop something unique that will set her apart from the rest, drawing a beauty spot atop her lip. While Peppy’s career takes off as Hollywood’s next big thing, Valentin alone fights for what he believes to be the true cinema: the silent screen. Their unexplored love develops silently as her fame increases and his hits a wall.

With beautiful cinematography and Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo’s powerful performances, The Artist places a touching love story at the centre of a significant event in the history of cinema. If there persists any notion that silent cinema has lost the power to grip modern audiences, Hazanavicious’ film should have no problem dispelling it.  (HP) ****