The Artist (2011)

An egomaniacal film star develops a relationship with a young dancer against the backdrop of Hollywood's silent era.

Director:

Michel Hazanavicius

Writer:

Michel Hazanavicius

Stars:

Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, John Goodman

Won 5 Oscars. Another 156 wins & 204 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
Elizabeth Tulloch	...	Norma (as Bitsie Tulloch)
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:

homage | showbiz comedy | 1920s | movie studio | movie star | 

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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

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film is shot with 22 FPS (frames per second). When played at the standard 24 FPS, the action becomes slightly accelerated. Most silent films were shot with 14 to 24 FPS, which makes many of these films appear "faster" in motion when played on modern projection equipment at 24 FPS. When sound films were introduced, the frame rate was standardized at 24 FPS to make it possible to sync the sound with the images.

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Goofs

In the early part of the film an issue of Variety is shown, with the front page covered with photos. Photos were allowed in Variety only in advertising copy. After 1920, it was an important style point of Variety that the publication never used photos on the front cover. They re-introduced photos as late as 1988, when the Silverman family sold Variety to Cahners.

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Quotes

George Valentin: [to his own shadow] Look what's become of you... You've been stupid! You've been proud!
[the shadow walks away]
George Valentin: Get back here, you loser!

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Crazy Credits

The following film is presented in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio, as intended by the filmmakers.

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Connections

Referenced in Fizruk: Episode #1.10 (2014)

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Soundtracks

Pennies From Heaven
Texte by Johnny Burke, Music by Arthur Johnston
©Chappell & Co. - 1936
Courtesy of Warner Chappell Music France

User Reviews

Silence speaks volumes.

As I waited for two hours in a long queue to watch this movie at the Mumbai Film Festival, I wondered why I was doing so much for a silent movie, of all things. Post screening, I'm ready to brave hail, rain or the super hot Indian summer sun and stand in a serpentine queue, just to watch this movie all over again.

'The Artist' is sure to go down in history as a must-watch. For those who want to study films, for those who pursue cinema relentlessly, and also for those who just watch movies because they just like to. If you're wondering why a silent film, the movie not only answers it, but makes you fall in love with the medium. it's clearly a product of a thinking director, where every thing in the scene has a story to tell. Whether it's the ironical film posters, street signs, or just a little dog barking quietly in the corner.

I don't need to comment on the talents. The Best Actor award at Cannes 2011 has done that already. I will however mention the four-legged supporting actor in the movie. Best performance I've ever seen so far!

Enjoy this movie. Add it to your collection. This is one movie worth upgrading to from DVD to Blue Ray to ...

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official Facebook [Germany]

Country:

France Belgium USA

Language:

English French

Release Date:

20 January 2012 (USA)

Also Known As:

Beauty Spot

Filming Locations:

Fremont Mansion - 56 Fremont Place, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$204,878, 27 November 2011

Gross USA:

$44,671,682

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$133,432,856

Company Credits

Production Co:

Studio 37, La Petite Reine, La Classe Américaine

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS SDDS

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1