The Artist (I) (2011)

A silent movie star meets a young dancer, but the arrival of talking pictures sends their careers in opposite directions.

Director:

Michel Hazanavicius

Writer:

Michel Hazanavicius

Stars:

Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, John Goodman

Top 250 #213 | Won 5 Oscars. Another 115 wins & 84 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jean Dujardin	...	George Valentin
Bérénice Bejo	...	Peppy Miller
John Goodman	...	Al Zimmer
James Cromwell	...	Clifton
Penelope Ann Miller	...	Doris
Missi Pyle	...	Constance
Beth Grant	...	Peppy's Maid
Ed Lauter	...	Peppy's Butler
Joel Murray	...	Policeman Fire
Bitsie Tulloch	...	Norma
Ken Davitian	...	Pawnbroker
Malcolm McDowell	...	The Butler
Basil Hoffman	...	Auctioneer
Bill Fagerbakke	...	Policeman Tuxedo
Nina Siemaszko	...	Admiring Woman (as Nina Siemazko)

Storyline

Outside a movie premiere, enthusiastic fan Peppy Miller literally bumps into the swashbuckling hero of the silent film, George Valentin. The star reacts graciously and Peppy plants a kiss on his cheek as they are surrounded by photographers. The headlines demand: "Who's That Girl?" and Peppy is inspired to audition for a dancing bit-part at the studio. However as Peppy slowly rises through the industry, the introduction of talking-pictures turns Valentin's world upside-down.

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Plot Keywords:

silent film | dancing | movie star | movie studio | newspaper headline | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for a disturbing image and a crude gesture

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official Facebook [de]

Country:

France Belgium USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 January 2012 (USA)

Also Known As:

Beauty Spot

Filming Locations:

Hancock Park, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$204,878 (USA) (18 November 2011)

Gross:

$44,667,095 (USA) (15 June 2012)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Studio 37, La Petite Reine, La Classe Américaine

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital Datasat SDDS

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The movie was originally shot in color, then converted to black and white.

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Goofs

When George meets Peppy for the first time he is surrounded by reporters and photographers. One reporter has the typical "PRESS" card stuck in his hat brim, but the typeface is Helvetica, not introduced until 1958.

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Quotes

Al Zimmer: Perfect!

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Crazy Credits

The opening credits are styled after the style of opening used in the 1920s and 1930s, complete with technical credits shown the way they would have been then.

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Connections

References Vertigo (1958)

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Soundtracks

"Estancia OP.8"
(Alberto Ginastera))
Conducted by Ernst van Tiel (as Ernst Van Tiel)
Performed by Brussels Philharmonic (as Brussels Philharmonic - The Orchestra of Flanders)
©Boosey & Hawkes c/o Editions Durand/Universal
(p) 2011 La Petite Reine
Courtesy of Universal Music Vision

User Reviews

Marvellous; one of the best movie experiences you'll ever have

The Artist arrived at the Toronto International Film Festival preceded by the accolades it received at Cannes, so expectations were high, but those expectations have been more than amply fulfilled. This film is an absolute marvel - charming, witty, surprising, moving, clever and beautiful. Filmmaking is about decisions, thousands and thousands of them, and everyone involved in The Artist makes every decision to perfection. The cinematography is ravishing in luminous black and white. The musical score, on which the film, being silent, is so dependant, is subtle when it needs to be subtle, dramatic when the occasion calls for it, and never overbearing or overwrought. The screenplay (yes, silent films do have screenplays) toys with the conventions of the silent era, paying homage to some of the greatest films of the first two or three decades of cinema history. The acting is flawless, extracting emotion and humour from a simple but classic storyline. The direction displays such self-assurance, and treats the audience with such respect, that it is almost like having a dialogue with the director.

The Artist is one of the most enjoyable movie experiences I have ever had. It deserves a wide audience and all sorts of awards. I can hardly wait to see it again.

And oh yes, if there is ever an Oscar for best animal performance, the dog in The Artist should receive a lifetime achievement award for this role alone.