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The Artist (film)

From Alfawiki
The Artist
Company typeFilm
IndustryMotion picture
Founded2011
FounderMichel Hazanavicius
Key people
Michel Hazanavicius (director, writer), Thomas Langmann (producer), Jean Dujardin (lead actor), Bérénice Bejo (lead actress)
ProductsFilm
ParentLa Petite Reine, ARP Sélection

The Artist is a 2011 French comedy-drama film crafted in the form of a black-and-white silent film or part-talkie. Directed and written by Michel Hazanavicius, produced by Thomas Langmann, it stars Jean Dujardin alongside Bérénice Bejo. Set in Hollywood during 1927 to 1932, the narrative explores the evolving relationship between an established silent movie star and an emerging actress amid the transition from silent cinema to the era of "talkies."

Receiving extensive critical praise, The Artist garnered numerous accolades. At its premiere during the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, Dujardin secured the Best Actor award. The film earned six Golden Globe nominations, winning three including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Original Score, and Best Actor for Dujardin. In January 2012, it led with twelve BAFTA nominations and took home seven awards such as Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Original Screenplay.

At the Academy Awards, it received ten Oscar nominations and won five, notably Best Picture, Best Director for Hazanavicius, and Best Actor for Dujardin—the first French actor to achieve this honor. It marked the first French-produced film to claim Best Picture, the first predominantly silent film winner since 1927's Wings, the first 4:3 aspect ratio film to win since 1953's From Here to Eternity, and the first fully black-and-white film to do so since 1960's The Apartment.

In its home country of France, The Artist was nominated for ten César Awards and won six, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actress for Bejo. It holds the record for the highest number of awards received by a French film.

Plot

In 1927, George Valentin, a celebrated silent movie star, is photographed outside the premiere of his latest success when Peppy Miller accidentally collides with him. Valentin responds playfully and poses with her for photographers. The following day, Peppy graces the cover of Variety with the headline "Who's That Girl?" She auditions as a dancer and catches Valentin’s attention, who insists she be cast in Kinograph Studios’ upcoming production despite resistance from studio head Al Zimmer. Their on-screen rapport propels Peppy’s rapid ascent into prominent roles.

Two years onward, Zimmer announces Kinograph’s cessation of silent film production; however, Valentin dismisses sound films as a fleeting trend. Though he longs to hear sound, Valentin is mute and chooses to produce and direct his own silent feature titled Tears of Love. This film debuts simultaneously with Peppy’s new sound picture Beauty Spot during the 1929 stock market crash. Audiences favor Peppy’s talkie, leaving Valentin financially devastated. His wife Doris departs; he moves in with his valet Clifton and his dog. Meanwhile, Peppy rises as a major Hollywood sound star.

Facing bankruptcy, Valentin auctions off his belongings and gives Clifton his car before terminating him over unpaid wages. In despair, Valentin sets fire to his old films but is saved after losing consciousness from smoke inhalation. Peppy visits him in hospital and arranges for him to convalesce at her residence. Clifton begins working for Peppy. Despite Valentin’s prideful resistance, Peppy demands Zimmer cast him in her next project or she will quit. Discovering Peppy purchased his auctioned items, Valentin returns to his charred apartment and nearly attempts suicide before she intervenes.

Peppy convinces Zimmer to produce a musical allowing Valentin to avoid speaking roles while showcasing his dancing skills. During filming, their tap-dancing is audible culminating in Valentin’s only spoken line: "With pleasure," revealing a French accent. The scene concludes as the crew prepares for another take.

Cast

Development

Michel Hazanavicius, the director, had long aspired to create a silent film inspired by the visual storytelling characteristic of that era and filmmakers he admires. Although initially met with doubt, enthusiasm grew following the commercial success of his spy-film parodies OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies and OSS 117: Lost in Rio. The screenplay was built around reuniting with actors Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo. Hazanavicius opted for a melodramatic style given that many preserved silent films fall within this genre. He undertook thorough research into 1920s Hollywood and silent film methods to reduce dependency on intertitles. The script—largely inspired by the 1928 silent comedy Show People—required four months to complete.

The lead character was heavily influenced by silent screen icon Douglas Fairbanks. Recent attention from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Fairbanks—including Jeffrey Vance’s book and exhibition events—highlighted Hollywood’s pioneering swashbuckler and academy president, informing much of the film’s creative vision.

Filming

Principal photography commenced in November 2010 over thirty-five days using the 1.33:1 aspect ratio typical of silent cinema. Although presented in black-and-white, cinematographer Guillaume Schiffman captured footage in color. Technical elements such as lenses, lighting setups, and camera movement were carefully designed to emulate period silent films. To replicate the slightly accelerated motion characteristic of 1920s silents, filming occurred at 22 frames per second instead of the standard 24 fps. Apart from two brief sound sequences and a non-diegetic musical score, most of the film remains silent. Director Hazanavicius played classic Hollywood melodies on set to enhance performances.

Produced by La Petite Reine and ARP Sélection with a budget of €13.47 million—including co-production support from Studio 37 and France 3 Cinéma plus pre-sales from StudioCanal and CinéCinéma—the production involved both French and American personnel. Filming primarily took place in various Los Angeles locations such as Hollywood landmarks, downtown theaters, restaurants, and Mary Pickford’s former home. Soundstage scenes were shot at Red Studios which also served as part of Kinograph Studios’ fictional lot. The Bradbury Building was used for a pivotal staircase scene. The final dance number required seventeen takes after five months of tap dance training by leads Dujardin and Bejo.

Costume design was led by American designer Mark Bridges.

Music

Main article: The Artist (soundtrack)

The musical score was chiefly composed by Ludovic Bource, incorporating pieces like Alberto Ginastera's "Estancia." Recorded over six days in April 2011 at Brussels’ Studio 4, it featured performances by the Brussels Philharmonic, conducted by Ernst Van Tiel, alongside the Brussels Jazz Orchestra. The climactic sequence employs Bernard Herrmann's "Scène d'amour" from the film Vertigo, complementing the silent storytelling approach. Only one lyrical track appears—"Pennies from Heaven," performed by Rose Murphy—despite the story spanning 1927–1932. The soundtrack was released on October 10 in France and October 21 in both the UK and US through Sony Classical Records.

Theatrical

File:Jean Dujardin Cannes 2011.jpg
File:Berenice Bejo Cannes 2011 cropped.jpg
Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival

Initially scheduled out-of-competition at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, The Artist was moved into competition shortly before its premiere on May 15, 2011. It debuted in France on October 12 through Warner Bros. France. Distribution rights for North America, UK, Australia, South Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe were acquired by The Weinstein Company; Japanese distribution rights went to Comstock and GAGA; Delphi Film managed German distribution. A limited release in the United States began November 23, 2011.

Following its triumph at the 69th Golden Globe Awards, Warner Bros. reissued it across France on January 25, 2012 in 362 theaters; Belgium followed with a release on February 22.

Home media

The Artist became available on region 1 DVD and Blu-ray on June 26, 2012. In the UK market it was released by Entertainment in Video on May 28 that year.

Box office

Globally The Artist earned $44.7 million domestically (North America) plus $88.8 million internationally totaling $133.4 million worldwide revenue. After its Academy Awards success, North American box office receipts increased by approximately 34%, expanding from an initial release in 966 theaters up to 1,756 screens while entering that week’s top ten box office rankings.

Critical response

On Rotten Tomatoes,The Artist holds an approval rating based on numerous reviews averaging a high score; critics describe it as "a crowd-pleasing homage to silent cinema" featuring "charming performances coupled with elegant visual style." Metacritic assigns it an aggregate score of 89/100 based on forty-one critics indicating "universal acclaim." Audience polling via CinemaScore returned an average grade of "A."

Mark Adams from Screen Daily lauded its charm alongside strong performances from Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo despite minor pacing issues early on. Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian called it an exhilarating cinematic experience he eagerly anticipated revisiting.

Both lead actors received widespread acclaim leading to Academy Award nominations: Jean Dujardin for Best Actor (which he won) and Bérénice Bejo for Best Supporting Actress.

Geoffrey McNab writing for The Independent described it as "a guaranteed crowd-pleaser delivering superb filmmaking." Rick Groen from The Globe and Mail noted its skillful use of vintage technology reflecting emerging cinematic innovations effectively. Sukanya Verma at Rediff.com deemed it an immediate classic while David Thomson from The New Republic praised its wit and overall achievement. Roger Ebert awarded four stars citing its compelling storylines combined with outstanding performances within this unique silent black-and-white format.

Conversely Jaime N. Christley at Slant Magazine rated it one-and-a-half stars criticizing its shallow portrayal of silent cinema history while America acknowledged Jean Dujardin’s strong presence but found Bejo less remarkable.

Kim Novak controversy

On January 9th, 2012 actress Kim Novak publicly expressed disapproval regarding use of part of Bernard Herrmann's score originally composed for Alfred Hitchcock's iconic 1958 thriller Vertigo. The final segment incorporates a licensed recording conducted by Elmer Bernstein from 1992 titled Scène d’Amour. Novak stated this infringed upon her artistic legacy claiming that reliance on Herrmann’s famous composition detracted from originality; she deemed this morally inappropriate accusing filmmakers of exploiting renowned works for publicity.

Director Michel Hazanavicius responded emphasizing that The Artist is intended as a tribute inspired by legendary directors such as Hitchcock himself along with Fritz Lang and Billy Wilder. He expressed admiration for Herrmann’s music widely used across cinema history while regretting Novak's objections but affirmed all music usage complied legally dismissing concerns as minor.

At Cannes Festival premiere May 2011 critic Todd McCarthy observed Herrmann’s love theme created impact yet distracted somewhat suggesting an alternative arrangement might have been preferable.

Accolades

At the 65th British Academy Film Awards, it secured seven wins including Best Film; Jean Dujardin earned Best Actor; Michel Hazanavicius received Best Original Screenplay; Guillaume Schiffman was awarded Cinematography; Mark Bridges took Costume Design; Ludovic Bource won Original Score among others. At the 69th Golden Globe Awards, out of six nominations it won three: Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy; Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (Dujardin); Best Musical Score (Bource).

During the 84th Academy Awards, The Artist gained ten nominations winning five including prestigious honors for Best Picture; Best Director (Hazanavicius); Best Actor (Dujardin); Best Costume Design; and Best Original Score.


External links

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