CLIPS MOVIE REVIEWS

by Roger Tennis

On CLIPS In February, 2012

THE ARTIST

The transition to sound is not easy on silent film star George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) in this mostly silent movie.

TRIVIA: This is the first mostly silent major studio release since which 1976 Mel Brooks classic?

ROG'S VIEWPOINT
      (4 CAMS)        RATED PG-13

Silent movie star George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) ponders the end of his career with the arrival of talking pictures. In the meantime, he befriends young dancer Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo). Her career takes off as his begins to decline. "The Artist" is an entertaining and brilliant salute to the film industry. The fact that this movie is black and white and mostly silent makes it even more amazing. Director Michel Hazanavicius and his expressive stars take the audience on a captivating journey through the early days of the ever-changing world of cinema. Along for the ride is a supporting cast that includes John Goodman, James Cromwell, Penelope Ann Miller and Malcolm McDowell. The scene-stealing antics of a Jack Russell Terrier named Uggie, adorable as Valentin's best friend, really light up the screen. This dog deserves a starring role in his own movie. The striking black and white images of cinematographer Guillaume Schiffman and Ludovic Bource's memorable music score transport the moviegoers back to the 1920s. Hazanavicius and Dujardin previously collaborated on French spy spoofs "OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies" and "OSS 117: Lost in Rio", but their latest teaming is a cinematic triumph. During this awards season, "The Artist" will certainly not receive the silent treatment.