1E

The Artist came close to a 2.

There is only about 3 minutes of talking in this almost entirely silent film. The story, told in other films, most notably Singing in the Rain, concerns the tumultuous transition from silent movies to talkies. Note that the silent era lasted an entire generation from approximately 1900 to 1929. Consequently, there was a well developed industry in the production of silent movies, including actors who were established. As is obvious to anyone who has watched silent movies the acting requires much more visual action to tell the story. Hence, the change to talkies was quite dramatic. It makes intuitive sense that the first talkies were musicals as it was easier to add songs often derived directly from the Vaudeville circuit. Al Jolson, was the most highly paid performer of the 20’s.

The Artist retells this story, loosely based on the story of John Gilbert. The leading character, Georg Valentin is the leading actor of the silent era. He is successful, lives in a large Hollywood mansion, and has a marriage that is stale, although not hostile. He meets and helps a lovely young actress, Peppy Miller, get her start.

Of course, Peppy is infatuated with Valentin, and additionally is appropriately grateful to him for his help. The movie does an excellent job in portraying their warm friendship. It is handled very delicately, without sexual inuendo, just an admirer. And moreover, Peppy is depicted as a warm woman, with a heart, who succeeds due to her innate talent.

Valentin does not make the transition to the talkies due to his pride. His deterioration is well depicted, but a little overly trite. The director could have cut some of this, but the story is well told.

And, of course, as Peppy becomes a leading lady of the talkies, she helps him recover and re-enter film. As she rescues him, their relationship blossoms, again handled delicately. Their love for one another has the tint of admiration and respect, making it more credible than is often displayed on screen.

It is all predictable, but the story is entertaining none the less.

The Artist steals unabashedly from many other films, both from the silent and talkie era. Film afficianados will recognize many of the scenes from other movies. It does not detract from The Artist, but is obvious.

All of that noted, this is a thoroughly enjoyable two hours of cinema. Clever, entertaining and a break from the usual. As I noted, this was almost a 2.