And the Best Picture goes to....

The second silent film to win the Best Picture prize, “The Artist,” directed by Michel Hazanavicius, is a well-crafted homage to the silent film era.  With its captivating performances and stunning black-and-white cinematography, the film transports viewers back to Hollywood’s golden age while exploring timeless themes of love, ambition, and the shifting landscape of the film industry of that time.

At the heart of “The Artist” are the performances of its two leading actors, Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo. Dujardin portrays George Valentin, a silent film star whose world begins to crumble with the introduction of talkies. As an actor he masterfully channels the spirit of legendary performers like John Garfield and John Barrymore, with a bit of William Powell thrown in for good measure. Much like the stars of that era, Dujardin demonstrates an incredible ability to express a wide range of emotions without uttering a single word. Every smile, frown, and subtle gesture draws the audience deeper into his character’s journey.

The beautiful Bérénice Bejo shines as Peppy Miller, a young actress who rises to fame in the sound era. Much like her character’s name would suggest, her performance is upbeat and positive, bringing a warmth and energy that balances Dujardin’s more somber portrayal. The chemistry between the two is electric and draws viewers into their romantic subplot, which is both heartwarming and tragic.

The plot of this film is a compelling variation of “A Star is Born,” as it explores the emotional highs and lows of pursuing stardom. The decision to shoot in black and white enhances the backdrop of the setting, while the score successfully imitates the style heard in silent films from that era.  Together, these artistic choices elevate the narrative in order to engage a contemporary audience.

In tribute to old Hollywood and silent films, there’s an homage to iconic scenes from classic movies. For instance, Peppy wrapping herself in George’s overcoat is reminiscent of a scene from “7th Heaven,” while the breakfast montage featuring George and his wife was very much like the one in “Citizen Kane.” Such nods should come as a delight to fans of classic movies.

Perhaps the one flaw that I had with “The Artist” was George’s reluctance to not move forward with talking movies.  I am aware that at that time, many actors and actresses failed to make the transition largely due to concerns about their voices, so did George really sacrifice wealth and a successful career out of personal stubbornness?

With its outstanding acting and stunning visuals, “The Artist” tells a compelling story about a pivotal moment in cinematic history.  I must admit, as much as I admire this film, I was genuinely surprised it won the Best Picture award over “The Help.” Nevertheless, “The Artist” tells a great story in the evolution in film history, and I couldn’t recommend it more.