The Artist

Patty Liang

Not often do we have the opportunity to view a silent film in contemporary times.  The Artist exceeded my expectations and I urge you to see it in theaters now! A 2011 French romantic drama film in black and white directed by Michel Hazanavicius, and starred by Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo. The viewer is given a backstage pass to see how silent films were created, how players' interaction influenced the films, and how amazing fashion was during that era.   

A silent film is a film with no recorded sound and dialogue. The actors and director thread together the storyline through editing, muted gestures, and pantomimes along with onscreen intertitles (black screens with subtitles) to narrate story points and key dialogue. Typically, a silent film will be accompanied by live music from an organ or an orchestra. Actors and actresses emphasized their body language and facial expression in order to aid in propelling the storyline.

Silent films were successful and in demand during the 1927 to 1932 at their peak.  George Valentin, a seasoned silent film actor, met Peppy Miller, a fan who aspires to be an actress.  We are invited to watch their trajectories: one into stardom, and one into oblivion.  We then ask ourselves, why do they go in different directions?  Both characters try to succeed in their own ways without compromising their dreams. Unfortunately, silent films and productions were also being pushed aside into the shadows by "talkies," as those sound films become more popular. 

This is one of my favorite musical films along with Singin' in the Rain with Gene Kelly, White Christmas, Moulin Rouge!, and more. When you finish the film, you will be inspired to break out dancing like The Artist.