Culture

Director: Michel Hazanavicius

You may think that the silent film genre is basically Fever Club in black and white - the background music increasing in intensity as a stray cougar approaches the object of your desire… It’s not. If you’re interested in film, you should reset those ideas and go to see The Artist.

Following the story of silent film Hollywood star George Valentin (Jean Dujardin), The Artist explores the issues he faces when advances in technology prompt the replacement of silent film with ‘the talkies’ (motion pictures with recorded sound). The excitement and contrasting pain of this change is shown through the romance between Valentin, and a young, up-and-coming star of talkies film, Penny Miller (Bérénice Bejo). The romance is charming and filled with comedic moments, like the repeated reshooting of a scene where the two must dance together but cannot do so without bursting into laughter.

The film is not all about romance. In many ways, it serves as commentary on the use of sound (or the lack of) in film. It draws attention to how clever choreography doesn’t need to rely on dialogue to stir an emotional response. The lack of diegetic sound highlights the beauty of brilliantly planned shots, superb acting, an incredible set and beautiful costume design.

The Artist is interlaced with clever references to other silent films, but it is not meant to be a personal joke that only a few understand. Perhaps its ten Academy Award nominations (including Best Picture) are proof of its universal appeal. If vinyl records, vintage clothing and film cameras can all make such a eagerly invited comeback, then why not extend that welcoming embrace to old school film genres? Going to The Artist is the perfect place to begin.