The Artist (2011)
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A silent film star struggles to adapt as the era of silent cinema gives way to 'talkies'.
The story
In 1927, silent film star George Valentin meets a young woman, Peppy Miller, who becomes a rising star under his guidance at Kinograph Studios. As the industry shifts toward 'talkies', Valentin remains dismissive of the change, insisting on the purity of silent film. When studio boss Al Zimmer announces plans to cease production of silent films, Valentin decides to produce his own project, Tears of Love. However, as the 1929 stock market crash hits, audiences flock to Peppy's new sound film instead of his, leaving Valentin's career in ruins and his personal life in shambles.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In 1927, silent film star George Valentin meets Peppy Miller, a young woman who quickly rises to stardom under his mentorship at Kinograph Studios. When the studio shifts to 'talkies', Valentin refuses to adapt, choosing instead to produce his own silent film, Tears of Love. The film flops during the 1929 stock market crash, leading to Valentin's bankruptcy and eviction. After a series of misfortunes, including a fire that leaves him hospitalized, Valentin is taken in by Peppy. Despite his initial resentment, Peppy eventually persuades the studio boss to let her create a musical production so Valentin can perform without having to speak. The film concludes with a dance sequence where the two perform a tap-dancing routine. The final scene reveals Valentin's ability to speak, as he delivers a single line with a French accent, signaling his ultimate acceptance of the new era of cinema.
- First release year
- 2011
- Runtime (minutes)
- 100
- Production countries
- France; Belgium
- Directors
- Michel Hazanavicius
- Writers
- Michel Hazanavicius · writer; Michel Hazanavicius · director
- Cast and characters
- Jean Dujardin · George Valentin; Bérénice Bejo · Peppy Miller; Uggie · Jack, The Dog; John Goodman · Al Zimmer; James Cromwell · Clifton; Missi Pyle · Constance; Penelope Ann Miller · Doris Valentin; Malcolm McDowell · The Butler
- Genres
- comedy-drama
- Themes
- The evolution of technology; The decline of silent cinema; Artistic integrity; Changing social dynamics
- Tone and mood
- Joyous; Tribute; Elegant; Touching
- Premise and plot tags
- Silent Film; Hollywood; Historical Drama; Musical
- Source material / true-story basis
- Inspired by the 1928 silent comedy, Show People
- Reception
- The film received widespread critical acclaim and won many accolades, being described as a crowd-pleasing tribute to silent cinema with universal acclaim from critics.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 89 · scale: 100 · review count: 41
- Awards and nominations
- Golden Globe · Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy · Win; Golden Globe · Best Original Score · Win; Golden Globe · Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy · Win; BAFTA · Best Film · Win; BAFTA · Best Director · Win; BAFTA · Best Actor · Win; BAFTA · Best Original Screenplay · Win; Academy Award · Best Picture · Win; Academy Award · Best Director · Win; Academy Award · Best Original Score · Win; César Award · Best Film · Win; César Award · Best Director · Win; César Award · Best Actress · Win
- Production trivia
- The film was shot in color but presented in black-and-white.; The film was shot at a slightly lower frame rate of 22 fps to recreate the look of 1920s silent films.; The dance sequence at the end required the lead actors to spend five months studying tap dancing.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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