The Artist by Stuart Doty

The Artist

by Stuart Doty



The Artist is a delightful modern silent movie telling the story of the transitional phase Hollywood experienced during the genesis of the “talkies.” The adjective I would use to describe this movie is Romantic and idealized. It is evident the film-makers felt a certain romanticism to the era of film making in which the story takes place, if by nothing more than the decision to model the film from  the antiquated methods used during the time. The concept of change is a thread that runs deep throughout the film. The way of life for our protagonist’s changes, forcing our protagonists to change as well or be lost and forgotten. Michel Hazanavicius chose to emulate camera moves that one would typically see of that era. He also utilized color shifts within the black and white composition to replicate film grade problems. Most all shots were cranked up, imitating the jerky inconsistent movement of early motion pictures. The pacing of the editing is wonderful in this film. As I recall the movie in my head I hear the actors voices, though consciously I am aware that there was virtually no dialog; this is a testament to the level of communication the film has. Much of this communication is credited to the editing and pacing effectively used to tell the story. Most of where the film takes place is on the old movie lots, which lends to enriching background activity as we can see the hustle and bustle of classic Hollywood. Sound effects were put to good use; as most of the film was silent, said sound effects were only used as a metaphor symbolizing disruptive change. Though for the majority of the film, the story had nothing but a score to supplement the visuals on screen. The acting was truly something to behold. The Artist has the right balance between exaggerated silent film acting and modern subtlety. As I eagerly watched the film, I waited for that moment when we would finally hear dialog, bracing myself for the impact it would have on my emotions. I thought for sure this moment would come when our character was facing down the long end of the barrel, the moment when all is lost, Peppy would lean into George Valentine’s ear and say…………….but the moment never came. The movie resolved its major conflicts while remaining silent. We finally hear voices seconds before the film ends, though the dialog heard is arbitrary to the story. Maybe it’s better this way?  Either way, The Artist was truly an original experience for me, I give it 5 stars.