The Artist - 10th January 2012

Every now and again a film comes along receiving both critical and public acclaim. At last year's London Film Festival " The Artist" opened and gradually built up enough support to make it favourite to triumph at this year's Oscars.

Three factors would have made this highly unlikely when they started production, firstly it was in French, secondly it was in Black & White and finally it was silent. On paper this shouldn't work, it couldn't possibly be as good as everyone says, could it?

If you mention current French film you immediately picture Depardieu, Auteil, Binoche, Tatou, Cotillard etc. It is refreshing that although some of the faces are familiar, none of them are French and similarly director Michel Hazanavicius is little known.

The film could then concentrate upon weaving its own web of charm without the audience being distracted trying to work out why the recognise the stars. The plot revolves around George Valentin a successful silent movie actor who then has to deal
with the arrival of taking pictures. As he fails to cope with this new threat his star wanes in contrast to Berenice Bejo whom he helps up the ladder of success and watches as she passez him on the way to the top. Naturally they fall in love and there are various similarities to the plot of "Singing In The Rain".

However, the secret of this film's success is charm. This is an old-fashioned, feel-good film and you know that even when things look bad, nothing untoward will ultimately befall the characters. It doesn't overly wallow in nostalgia but celebrates the age of classic film-making. "The Artist" never takes itself too seriously and is genuinely funny. The scene where George Valentin dances with an emot suit is pure Astaire.

The two leads are perfectly cast and just when you get used to this being a French film along come the likes of James Cromwell, John Gordon etc making unexpected appearances. With no real dialogue the music is an integral part of the film and composer Ludovic Bource duly provides a sumptious score.

So many films are over-hyped these days but this is the real thing, an instant classic. This is the first film I have seen in 2012. If I see a better one this year I shall feel very fortunate, indeed.