"The Artist" has it all----no spoken words (almost), subtitles, black and white look, an actor and actress most of us has never seen. And a corny predictable teary script.


This adorable and attractive film is why we embrace the cinema and willing to pay the price of admission. It's Magic!


I'm a big fan of such classics such as "A Star is Born" and "Sunset Boulevard" (among others), but"The Artist" is much more than a retelling of these films. An invigorating fresh look during an era that was the purest of the times.


It's a story of silent era film star George Valentine (think of Fairbanks/Valentino) who can't (or won't) adjust to the onset of sound. By 1931 (film opens in 1927) he's finished and broke. His wife has left him. He's a drunk. The only two that stayed by his side is his faithful dog Uggie (thank of Asta) and his driver/servant. However, while George's career collapses it's also time when unknowns turn into stars. Enters Peppy Miller (think of the Flapper or It Girl).


Jean Dujardin as George Valentin performance is as good as most silent era actors. The supporting cast adds to the enjoyment: John Goodman as the studio head (think Leo B Mayer). Penelope Ann Miller as George's wife. And the beautiful Berenice Bejo as the rising starlet.


It works on all levels. The ending would make MGM and Lockwood & Selden really proud.

A+

Jack