Fat Dude Digs Flicks

2. THE ARTIST (written and directed by Michel Hazanavicius)

Hollywood, 1927: As silent movie star George Valentin wonders if the arrival of talking pictures will cause him to fade into oblivion, he sparks with Peppy Miller, a young dancer set for a big break.

THE ARTIST is an absolutely gorgeous film that calls back to another age. I have been a fan of silent films for as far back as I can remember. Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton are as important to me as Jack Nicholson and Marlon Brando. This film brings back the artform with great success. Jean Dujardin is truly captivating as silent star George Valentin. He charms his way from scene to scene in spellbinding fashion. When he meets a young up and comer, played by the gorgeous Bernice Bejo, he helps nudge her in the right direction. When the studios make the switch to talking picture, Bejo’s Peppy Miller is the one getting the work and Valentin is left scrambling. At times hilarious and others heartbreaking, THE ARTIST is one of those rare films these days that cause you to leave the theater tapping your feet with a smile on your face. Everything about THE ARTIST works from the acting and cinematography to the score and editing. THE ARTIST is marvelous.

THE ARTIST is also the winner of the Andy Award for Best Onscreen Duo for Jean Dujardin and Bernice Bejo.