I had first heard about The Artist in the summer when it was at Cannes and how it had been nominated for awards, and Dujardin actually won best actor. I was annoyed at first because I didn't know anything about it, then after some research, to my delight it was a completely silent film about a silent film actor. The concept alone won me over. Then with every article, photograph, trailer seen/mentioned anywhere I was got more and more excited.
The film is immense. Completely silent except for the fantastic score and two moments of well used sound. Title cards included plus one amazing dog played by Uggie the Dog. For those who don't know the story is follows the successful career of silent film star George Valentin, a matinee idol in Hollywood before the dawn of talkies. His marriage is far from perfect, and one day he meets ambitious chorus girl Peppy Miller and is smitten. Very quickly thereafter, sound comes to the studios and George refuses to make films with sound. So while he sinks all his money into one last epic silent film, Peppy Miller becomes a star in the new era.
Described as a comedy-drama but that's putting it lightly. There is dancing and music (the score) and in some parts, the story turns dark, but thanks to Uggie the dog, never too dark as he saves the day. Whether you're a fan and enthusiast of silent films or you enjoy stories about Hollywood in the 20's or you just love a good film, you will enjoy it. There is NEVER a dull moment. And finally, I usually dislike films where the animal has a major role but this is an exception, Uggie is awesome. The human cast are also beyond brilliant. Go see this film!
To round this off, here is a picture of Uggie.
