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

There is not a single 'zoom shot' in the entire movie because Zoom technology did not exist in the movie's time period.

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Goofs

Women's fashions changed a great deal from 1927 to 1932; however, Peppy's wardrobe appears to remain in 1927. By 1932, hems were mid-calf and waistlines were at the natural waist.

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Quotes

Al Zimmer: You and I belong to another era, George. The world is talking now. People want new faces, talking faces. I wish it wasn't like this, but the public wants fresh meat, and the public is never wrong.
George Valentin: I'm the one people come to see. They never needed to hear me.

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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 Umberto D. (1952)

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Soundtracks

Imagination
by Fud Livingston (as Linvingston)
©1927 EMI Catalogue Partnership, EMI Robbins Catalog Inc
Performed by Red Nichols and His Five Pennies (as Red Nichols & His Five Pennies)
(p) 1928 The Verbe Music Group c/o Universal
Couresty of Universal Music Vision & EMI Catalogue

User Reviews

stunning

Jean Dujardin deserved his Palme D'or for his captivating and wonderful performance. Where to start...this film is so clever, so beautifully crafted, so mesmerising. The lost art of the silent film is once again brought to life and that era is impressively recreated, whether it be the acting style, the sets, the locations (shot in Hollywood), the shimmering black and white photography. It is obvious to see that the people behind L'artiste respected that era of film making and wanted to recreate the magic with some modern touches ( I won't spoil them) and totally succeeded. I saw this in Cannes at an 8.30 am press screening and was totally entranced. I cannot wait to see it again!

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