Oscar Special: The Artist (2011)

A beautiful silent film that has many layers, like the transition of films from the silent era to the talkie era, the bonding between a dog and his master and the love (bordering on devotion) that exists between a woman and the man she idolizes.

George Valentin is a big star in the silent era but, is very skeptical about welcoming sound into films. As a result he is phased out and he suffers major losses in the silent movie that he directs and produces.

Peppy Miller, an admirer, grows in his shadows as a major star in the talkie era. Her films rake in the moolah as George himself suffers. George's wife ditches him and he actually escapes death at an instance due to his loyal dog. Peppy gives him the necessary care.

In the end, George realizes certain obvious follies and decides to reciprocate Peppy and also takes up the offer to star alongside her in her new talkie movie.

Review

• The music is lilting, mesmerizing and fills the void left by the absence of dialogs. The periodic display of title cards is humorous and also revealing. Ludovic Bource takes the cake as well as the Oscar for his score. 
• The performances by the lead are superior. Jean Dujardin is Oscar worthy for sure. Berenice Bejo is ravishing with her charm. Their expressions and ease at dancing are a real treat to watch. The climax tango dance is a refreshing experience. 
• The loyalty shown by the dog and the driver is another touching subtext. 
• Film students will feel nostalgic about the silent films with a live orchestra playing in the theater, when the silent film is being screened
• The climax when people actually mouth some words gives a nice feel good effect. 
• The black/white & silent treatment of the film goes with the era that is being depicted

VERDICT

An experience not to be missed. WOW moments galore. The music, the performances and the basic presentation of the movie make the 5 Oscars totally worth it.