| 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 |
| Bitsie Tulloch | Norma |
| Ken Davitian | Pawnbroker |
| Malcolm McDowell | The Butler |
| Basil Hoffman | Auctioneer |
| Bill Fagerbakke | Policeman Tuxedo |
| Nina Siemazko | Admiring Woman |
| Stephen Mendillo | Set Assistant |
| Dash Pomerantz | Peppy's Boyfriend |
| Beau Nelson | Peppy's Boyfriend |
| Alex Holliday | Guard |
| Wiley M. Pickett | Guard |
| Ben Kurland | Audition Casting Assistant |
| Katie Nisa | Audition Dancer |
| Katie Wallick | Audition Dancer |
| Hal Landon Jr. | Napoleon |
| Cleto Augusto | Set Technician |
| Sarah Karges | Laughing Dancer |
| Sarah Scott | Laughing Dancer |
| Maize Olinger | Shouting Dancer |
| Ezra Buzzington | Journalist |
| Fred Bishop | Journalist |
| Stuart Pankin | Director #1 (Restaurant) |
| Andy Milder | Director #2 |
| Bob Glouberman | Director #3 (Finale) |
| David Cluck | Assistant Director (Finale) |
| Kristian Falkenstein | Actor In "The Brunette" |
| Matt Skoller | Peppy's Assistant |
| Annie O'Donnell | Woman With Policeman |
| Patrick Mapel | Assistant With Newspaper |
| Matthew Albrecht | Tennis Player |
| Harvey Alperin | Doctor |
| Lily Knight | Nurse At Peppy's House |
| Clement Blake | Beggar |
| Tasso Feldman | Zimmer's Assistant |
| Chris Ashe | Zimmer's Assistant |
| Adria Tennor | Zimmer's Assistant |
| Cletus Young | Bartender |
| Mark Donaldson | Thug #1 |
| Brian Williams | Thug #2 |
| Andrew Ross Wynn | Big Dancer (Restaurant) |
| Jen Lilley | Onlooker |
| Brian Chenoweth | Onlooker |
| Uggy | Uggy |
| Tim de Zarn | Soldier |
| Michel Hazanavicius | Director, Editor, Screenwriter |
| Laurence Bennett | Production Designer |
| Anne-Sophie Bion | Editor |
| Ludovic Bource | Score Composer |
| Mark Bridges | Costumes/Costume Designer |
| James Canal | Asst. Director |
| David Allen Cluck | Asst. Director |
| Antoine De Cazotte | Executive Producer |
| Daniel Delume | Executive Producer |
| Segolene Fleury | Production Manager |
| Kelcey Fry | Makeup |
| Jenni Brown Greenberg | Makeup |
| Julie Hewett | Makeup |
| Gregory Scott Hooper | Art Director |
| Michael Krikorian | Sound Mixer |
| Thomas Langmann | Producer |
| Jerome Lateur | Musical Direction/Supervision |
| Heidi Levitt | Casting |
| Richard Middleton | Executive Producer |
| Lydia Milars | Makeup |
| Emmanuel Montamat | Associate Producer |
| Adam Mull | Set Decoration/Design |
| Nadine Muse | Sound Editor |
| Maha Saade | Makeup |
| Guillaume Schiffman | Cinematographer |
| Angie Wells | Makeup |
The Artist is a monumental movie that won Best Picture at the Oscars this year. The last silent black and white movie that made it to the finals was perhaps "Wings," at the first Oscars in the late 20s. This movie was made by the French and shoot in LA in its entirety. The plot is basically interwoven with the whole picture itself. As its about a very popular movie star in the silent era, so the movie has to be presented in silence. And just as the movie's end should be the time of the talkies or the "new" movies with sound, a scene in the sound era starts with the silent male star dancing with music in background. The last scene was the only part in the movie that has sound. Over all, this movie is a true work of art!!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.What a treat for lovers of cinema. This film is excellent proof that even in our ultra-modern era, the idea to present something as it was done almost 100 years ago can still be executed to perfection. The storyline, acting and music were all terrific but I thought the highlight was Berenice Bejo as Peppy Miller. Girls like that (both the actress and her character) are a very rare find. Superlatives like "stunning" and "radiant" don't really do them justice. Having known two girls - both of them in their early 20s - who carry on the "old soul" image with Audrey Hepburn-like outfits and short hairstyles, I just think it's great that such personalities have been remembered on the silver screen. If you're passionate about film, you really need to see this!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.The most joyful film I've ever had the pleasure to see.
George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is quite possibly the most famous silent movie star of the late 1920’s. Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo) is a talented young dancer hoping to break in on the Hollywood scene. One day, in an incredible twist of fate, Valentin and Miller meet on set. Inevitably, sparks fly between the two as they create magic on screen. Their paths cross over the next several years, until the arrival of the “talkies” revolutionizes the film industry, sending their careers in completely opposite directions.
There was a lot of talk about The Artist prior to its release. Critics raved about it. It swept the Oscars winning a total of five Academy Awards, including Best Actor, Best Director and the crème de la crème—Best Picture. In an interesting side note, it’s the only silent film to take home the award for Best Picture in Oscar history, like ever. So with all the hype, was the movie even worth it? There’s only one answer to that question… YES.
Now, I don’t know if you’ve ever seen a silent film. I have and I have to say, they are a lost art. There’s something so beautiful about their way of storytelling—it’s poignant and meaningful, much more so than many of the movies produced today. And don’t let the “silent” part fool you. “Silent” is sort of a misnomer because it’s not like these movies are without sound. There are sound effects that echo strategically behind a masterfully crafted score. It’s these sound effects and music that set the mood for the audience, helping to tell a huge part of the story. Being filmed in classic silent film fashion, 1.33:1 aspect ratio, Hazanavicius has kept the true feel of that bygone era, allowing the viewer to really experience the film as it should be experienced. What we’re given is a collection of whimsical moments that rely on showing instead of telling. It becomes very clear that showing is one of Hazanavicius’ strongest suits.
When you have a silent film, I think the most important thing of all is creating chemistry. Without chemistry between the actors, you have nothing but jumble of random events. The chemistry that Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo share on screen is undeniably strong, perhaps because of their work together on prior films. Dujardin exudes total charm and charisma, and Bejo, nothing but grace and enthusiasm. They move together with so much skill and flair, I could hardly pry my eyes away from the screen. They are completely mesmerizing. And with cameos by John Goodman, James Cromwell and Penelope Ann Miller, you’re hard pressed to find a more talented cast of characters. But the irrefutable scene stealer of this movie is Valentin’s precious pooch, Jack (aka Uggie). Seriously. Who can resist that face? Yes. I do mean to say, the dog stole the show. But what I find most impressive about this film was the way it made me feel. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so much when I’ve watched a movie before. The Artist was compelling, endearing, funny, sad and wistful. It made me hope, laugh, smile and cry. Like it or not, this film latches on to your heartstrings and won’t let go. There is nothing you can do but surrender yourself to its magic and be genuinely happy that you’re along for the ride. Michel Hazanavicius has created something truly extraordinary, and like the silent movies of the past, something that is sure to become a classic for all time.
Anonymous
Posted July 19, 2012
This movie was a wonderful treat to watch. Going into the movie I had low expectations but was so happy that I took the time to watch it. The cinematography was beautiful and reminded me of why I watch movies. The music went right along with the movie and brought you to tears or smiles depending on what the scene was about. The actors were great in the movie too, including the dog. I thought the story was right on spot on the situation that was happening when silent movies were ending and talkies were strarting to be made. I would recommend this movie to anyone who can appreciate when cinematography, music, and acting comes together the right way. Enjoy!!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 13, 2012
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