Director: Michel Hazanavicius

Screenwriter(s): Michel Hazanavicius

Cast: Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell, Penelope Ann Miller, Missi Pyle, Malcolm McDowell

Plot: A story about a director struggles to maintain his Hollywood status as the film industry transitions from silent to talkie and the woman he meets at the start of her career whom rapidly climbs the ladder to stardom.

Mini Review: Michel Hazanavicius pays homage to the silent films that started it all in ‘The Artist’. In keeping with the traditions of the silent film age, the film relies entirely on the actors to bring the script and the story to life. Berenice Bejo and Jean Dujardin giving very expressive performances convey this perfectly. Although the script suffers from being a bit too predictable, the best parts about ‘The Artist’ happen to be in the way it almost mocks the cliches attributed to films from Hollywood’s Golden Age. With performances that relay messages ways that goe beyond words and a very lively musical score, ‘The Artist’ is worth it every time.  Jim’s Rating: 8.9/10

Random Trivia:  Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo rehearsed the climactic dance sequence for five months, practicing almost every day in the same studio that Debbie Reynolds and Gene Kelly used to rehearse for Singin’ in the Rain (1952). “It was really hard,” remembers Bejo, “and even now when I look at the movie I can’t believe how fast we’re doing it. Sometimes it’s like my feet still hurt.”

Our leading actors having fun with the interview. It’s as enjoyable watching these two off-screen as it is on-screen.

Oscar-Winning Factors: Acting, Music 

Acting

Penny Miller (Berenice Bejo) gets her first acting job and bonds with George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) during a scene involving a waltz.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vipC25SWI6U

After a day of shooting with George, Penny fantasizes about being in his arms.

Peppy bumps into George and the two have a conversation.

Fed up with the decisions he’s made that led to this life, in a rage, he throws his film reels around the room sparking a fire that burns his house.

Music

Penny’s Road to Stardom – “Pennies from Heaven”, Performed by Rose Murphy, Composed by Ludovic Bource

Penny races back to George’s house fearing the worst while George contemplates another way out of his situation.

Final Dance

Nominations & Wins:

• Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (W) – Jean Dujardin
• Achievement in Directing (W) – Michel Hazanavicius
• Achievement in Costume Design (W) – Mark Bridges
• Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score (W) – Ludovic Bource
• Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (N) – Berenice Bejo
• Original Screenplay (N) – Michel Hazanavicius
• Achievement in Cinematography (N) – Guillaume Schiffman
• Achievement in Film Editing (N) – Anne-Sophie Bion, Michel Hazanavicius
• Achievement in Art Direction (N) – Laurence Bennett (Production Designer), Robert Gould (Set Decorator)

 

Sources: IMDb, The Oscars