The Artist (2011) 

With all the technological advances in sounds systems and colour, some people may think that I must be nuts still watching silent movies after all these years. But hey, they are still producing them, you see. In fact, ‘The Artist’ from which the Best Actor for 2011 Oscars comes from is the first silent artist recipient of Awards since 1927! It is an entirely silent movie (barring the two minutes of a dream scene when people started talking and the closing lines). The film narrates the story set from 1927 to 1932 of a silent movie star, George Valentin, a swashbuckling toothy-grinned hero who has a problem adjusting to the introduction of talkies. The movie starts with the premiere of his film ’Russian Affair ’. It receives roaring approval from the masses. During a photo shootout with his fans, George meets Peppy Miller, who is a chorus girl extra in Valentin’s new movie. Slowly Peppy moves up the ladder of stardom. Come 1929, the studio decides to go talkies with the introduction of sounds in movies. All at once, old faces are axed to give way for newbies including Peppy Miller. As all actors of that era, who thought that sounds are going to kill the acting ability of the players, Valentin decides that he is not going to take it lying down. He acts, produces and directs his own silent movie that is released on the same day as Peppy’s talkies. Unfortunately, his release coincides with the stock market crash and the reception to his film is appalling. He becomes a bankrupt while Peppy’s career flourishes. His wife leaves him too. Poor, drunk and depressed makes him burn his old film collection and he is trapped in his own flat only to be rescued by his faithful companion Uggie (a Jack Russell terrier). Incidentally, Uggie needs a special mention for his extraordinary talent. If not for being of the human species, he would have vied for the Oscars! In 1928, a dog acting as Tin-Tin got more votes than the actual winner - after that, most award boards disqualified animals from nomination! George is nursed back to health in Peppy’s mansion where he stumbles upon all his old collection of items that were auctioned by him, nicely stashed away. Feeling disillusioned, he attempts suicide, while Uggie compassionately coaxes him not to do so by ticking on his pants. This scene is quite poignant and heart wrenching. Just in the nick of time, Peppy makes it to the scene literally in a bang by crashing at the compound stopping our hero from his stupid action.  Peppy suggests that they should use his dance talent to make it back to the movies and that proves to be quite right. I can swear that the hero (Jean Dujardin) is trying very hard to be much like Sean Connery via his mannerisms, actions, moustache, smile and barrette! He is quite a likeable guy. The movie is quite straight forward in its storyline - nothing extraordinary. Perhaps there is a lot of hype for this film to commemorate and honour the contributions of the forefathers of the celluloid industry. 

Real lesson from reel: 

To stay relevant to the present time, one needs to invent and re-invent himself, to fail, he would lose the rat race and be forever forgotten. This is especially true in creative fields where today’s discovery is tomorrow’s old news. All through over life, we have heard of names come and go in popular culture. A handful stays forever in our minds. Special mention goes to Beatles, Bee Gees, Madonna, J-Lo and David Bowie. They stayed relevant for a long time, some are still performing. This is due to their ability to adapt, metamorphose and learn new tricks. Anybody still remember Leif Garrett? 

Next Chapter: No dialogue, no subtitles