Featured Audience Ratings

• UUd I

  
  I think this movie is overrating. Okay. Thats unique, but the story is too flat.

• Chris M

  
  A true masterpiece! A great throwback to the Golden Age of Cinema and a wonderful film in general. It has a great sense humor and it is very charming. Go see it!

• Joseph M

  
  A

• Dan S

  
  A unique silent film concerning the business of silent films, and how one megawatt talent (Jean Dujardin) experiences the changing of times as his once prominent career is thrust into oblivion as a talent he helped along the way (Berenice Bejo) starts to see her career explode, and… More
  A unique silent film concerning the business of silent films, and how one megawatt talent (Jean Dujardin) experiences the changing of times as his once prominent career is thrust into oblivion as a talent he helped along the way (Berenice Bejo) starts to see her career explode, and how the two remain connected. This movie is part satire on the industry, but it is largely a dark, unsettling look at a former titan whose ego and life take a pounding. The fact that director Michel Hazanavicius makes this movie so moving, being we actually care about these characters and how they will end up, is an enormous feat to pull off being that no words are spoken largely throughout this picture. Through a simple score, gorgeous cinematography, and Oscar-caliber turns from both Dujardin and Bejo, "The Artist" is a good motion picture. Some critics say it is "just another silent movie" and it is largely unnecessary, but I disagree. Maybe not deserving of the "Best Picture" award it got, but this film possesses a sort of darkness and somberness many silent films would never entertain, as largely the business was all fun and games, mostly concentrated on the slapstick antics of both Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. This film goes to dark places, which is surprising, but it pays off in the end.

• Al S

  
  An absolute delight from start to finish. It`s beyond superb. An ingenious and deeply moving film filled with heart, humor and vision. A masterpiece of a film that returns to the heart and soul of the silent film, showing that body language and facial reactions were the way to… More
  An absolute delight from start to finish. It`s beyond superb. An ingenious and deeply moving film filled with heart, humor and vision. A masterpiece of a film that returns to the heart and soul of the silent film, showing that body language and facial reactions were the way to emotion. This is a true work of art. A triumphant return to a long but never forgotten style of film-making. Director, Michel Hazanvicius crafts a wonderful, thrilling and breathtaking movie experience that you wont soon forget, A visual and outstanding piece of brilliance. Jean Dujardin gives a extraordinary and passionate performance, even tho he dosent say a word, you can feel his passion and power. Berence Bejo gives a remarkable and gorgeous performance, showing her beautiful smile and captivating the screen. Dujardin and Bejo are truly gorgeous and remarkable. It`s not just a romance between the two leads, but a romance of art demonstrating its visual dazzle and making for terrific entertainment. I truly loved this movie. A true must-see that's unforgettable. It`s funny, smart, tasteful and delightfully romantic picture.

• Jon L

  
  Great film. I applaud it for being a silent, black & white film in a decade full of movies with CG special effects and no substance. Everything about it was good. The stories cohesiveness lost me a bit toward the end so I had to rate it the way I did, but it brought me back… More
  Great film. I applaud it for being a silent, black & white film in a decade full of movies with CG special effects and no substance. Everything about it was good. The stories cohesiveness lost me a bit toward the end so I had to rate it the way I did, but it brought me back with a fine ending.

• Daniel P

  
  Enchanting and beautiful film about success, jealousy, technology, the movie industry and (of course) love; the scene in which Peppy (Berenice Bejo) manipulates one arm of George's (Jean Valentin) suit on the hanger is one for the ages. A film that gets at what it is about movies… More
  Enchanting and beautiful film about success, jealousy, technology, the movie industry and (of course) love; the scene in which Peppy (Berenice Bejo) manipulates one arm of George's (Jean Valentin) suit on the hanger is one for the ages. A film that gets at what it is about movies that so affects us, and one with compelling relationships between characters and a hero who's always on the knife-edge of success vs. failure. A fun throwback, too - even if Singin' in the Rain kind of did this first, it's a brilliant contemporary approach.

• Jack H

  
  It's straightforward, predictable, and not entirely deserving of its Academy commendation, but 'The Artist' is ultimately a delightful piece of escapism. It's a well-made and audacious homage to the first stars of Hollywood. It's a joy to watch, I became aware… More
  It's straightforward, predictable, and not entirely deserving of its Academy commendation, but 'The Artist' is ultimately a delightful piece of escapism. It's a well-made and audacious homage to the first stars of Hollywood. It's a joy to watch, I became aware that I had a smile on my face throughout the first twenty minutes, which was thanks to a combination of the jovial soundtrack, 'Uggie' the talented Jack Russell, and also I think Dujardin's rather infectious smile. However, it's slightly darker than you may have imagined. The film concerns George Valentin (Jean Dujardin), a silent-movie star whose wellbeing is jeopardised upon the advent of the 'talkies'. So, as you can imagine, the film is as much a drama as it is a romantic comedy, if not more. It really is remarkable what the cast have achieved with this film. I'm sure many people would have their reservations about this silent film, but I'm certain they'd be engrossed from the start, completely indifferent that it's missing a fundamental dimension. Of course, silent films aren't completely silent, they're scored, and 'The Artist' has a delightfully expressive soundtrack. Its energetic, upbeat tracks are my favourite; they have your torso gently swaying and your head bobbing jovially. It's ultimately a very nice little film with good performances from everyone, particularly from Dujardin. Though he is great in it, I feel his Oscar wasn't fairly earned; his job was very different to the other contenders that year. However, if there was an Oscar for 'Best Smile', he would've won without a doubt.

• Cynthia S

  
  3 3/4's..DO NOT WATCH THIS if you are sleepy. Personally, I had to take a nap halfway through, so this one is a tough one for me to rate. BUT, I do applaud the originality (applied to todays films). I do appreciate the quality. I did think that it was very nice. I love old movies… More
  3 3/4's..DO NOT WATCH THIS if you are sleepy. Personally, I had to take a nap halfway through, so this one is a tough one for me to rate. BUT, I do applaud the originality (applied to todays films). I do appreciate the quality. I did think that it was very nice. I love old movies (not necessarily silent films), so that part was easy for me. I really wish that I could rate it more, but I found myself bored a lot of the time.........AND it makes me laugh that they sell the soundtrack to this. Music to nap by?..lol

• Matthew Samuel M

  
  A delightful film. Short and sweet, it's charming and beautifully made. I enjoyed every minute of it.

• Melvin W

  
  George Valentin: With pleasure.  Even with all the praise and accolades this movie received, I still didn't know exactly what to expect. I've wanted to see The Artist for a long time now, but I wasn't sure how well I'd like it. Of all small amount of silent films… More
  George Valentin: With pleasure.  Even with all the praise and accolades this movie received, I still didn't know exactly what to expect. I've wanted to see The Artist for a long time now, but I wasn't sure how well I'd like it. Of all small amount of silent films I'd seen, I had never been that impressed with any of them. The Artist changes that for sure. Obviously, it has a few conveniences that the movies that were made in the 10's and 20's didn't have, but still this movie is so good, that it will stun you. It certainly did me. The Artist tells the tale of the film business moving from silent films to "talkies" through the character George Valentin. At the start of the movie, George is one of the biggest stars around. He's enjoying a flurry of success and is adored by all. He even meets a new woman Peppy Miller who stars in a movie with him. He met her in the street and was able to talk the executive into letting her appear in the movie. When they stop making silent films and only make "talkies", George is pushed aside for a new brand of filmmaking. A brand of filmmaking that makes the new, young, and beautiful Peppy Miller a star, and makes George Valentin a nobody. This movies production values are amazing. The black and white cinematography is more than just beautiful. It also serves in taking us to the late 20's and early 30's. The music is also extremely well done and serves as the mood of the movie. The sets and costumes also are some of the best you could hope to see in a period piece like The Artist. Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bujo are what makes the movie work so well though. They are both absolutely fantastic at evoking the mood of the movie without being heard. Michel Hazanavicius' amazing direction also has something to do with the films success as well. I tried to not be too influenced by how well received this film was. And I really don't think I was. I didn't go into the film with a preconceived notion on how much I would love the movie. I just let the movie speak for itself, and it did. Not only was I blown away by the movie, but I do think it was the best of movie of 2011, and think it deserved every single award it got. This is pure filmmaking at it's best and most beautiful. It's a must see movie and possibly one of the best movies ever made, period. It will move you and make you laugh without saying a word. Absolutely fantastic.

• Sergio G

  
  Just amazing. How a good story, even a casual story can become a work of art. Jean Dujardin is the whole movie and would grant the best actor's supporting role to the dog. Don't miss it.

• Chris W

  
  Okay, so let me get this straight: the most talked about film of 2011 was a black and white silent film about a silent film star whose career starts to tank after the rise of "talkies"? Two things: WHAT?...and...AWESOME! Yes, I understand how cliche it is to be giving… More
  Okay, so let me get this straight: the most talked about film of 2011 was a black and white silent film about a silent film star whose career starts to tank after the rise of "talkies"? Two things: WHAT?...and...AWESOME! Yes, I understand how cliche it is to be giving this film a Full 5, but it really does deserve it. It's not only a technical and aethetic masterpiece, but it is just such an adorable film to watch and experience. Yes, the basic plot is taken right from SInging in the Rain, but the way this film is done is where it stands out and shines. It was a very gutsy move to come up with the idea for the movie, and an even gutsier oen to green light it, but have guts in cinema is something I applaud. This really could have come off as cheap and gimmicky, but instead they really did put a lot of heart and lvoe into it. And hopefully, it got (and will continue to get) people interested in a top of movie that's been basically dead for about 80s years. Even though the story line is kinda tired and maybe the weakest aspect, it's still pretty solidly done. Yeah, the film is more noteworthy for everything else, but what, in the end, really keeps it from being total gimmicky camp or kitsch are the performances. Acting in the silent era style is not an easy thing, and really is an art form in its own right. To see a cast of well knowns (as supporters) and lesser knowns (as leads) have to realy more on facial expressions, body language, and movement really made my day, especially since they absolutely nailed it, and not just in an impressionistic sort of way. I really hope Jean Dujardin, who got an Oscar here has a career after this, and won't get lost in the mists of Oscar winner time. And Berenice Bejo...WOW! She's so overwhelmingly cute and spunky I think I have a new love. And I can forget Uggi, who just might be the cutest dog in the history of cinema, and probably the funniest and most charming, too. Part of the fun with this movie, aside from it being a love letter to a bygone era, is the fun it has in tweaking with the sound design. MILD SPOILER: it's not 100% silent, and they mess around with it in very fun and playful ways. Also, the music is awesome. It kinda has to be, really. I had heard that there was the use of a certain well known song from a well known Hitchcock film used here, but then forgot about it. When it came up in the movie, I about lost it (in a good way). It might have angered Kim Novak, but I thought it fit very well, and once again applaud them for takign a risk by using it. Like everyone else said, you just need to see it. Even if it doesn't trigger a silent film renaissance, it's just a wonderful, whimsical, and truly brilliant piece of artistic entertainment.

• Zach B

  
  For me personally, The Artist is the film that I have been wanting for a very long time and it has been well worth the wait. If you are someone who loves cinema at all, then you must make it your duty to see this film. As a film geek, one of my favorite things to talk about is silent… More
  For me personally, The Artist is the film that I have been wanting for a very long time and it has been well worth the wait. If you are someone who loves cinema at all, then you must make it your duty to see this film. As a film geek, one of my favorite things to talk about is silent cinema. It is obvious to see that the way films were first made and now are drastically different. But like all things, we need to be reminded of what we have done and where we have come from. The end result is a film that is not only entertaining and gorgeous, but shockingly touching and just a dream to view. That is the best way for me to describe this film: watching a dream. Here is the thing: I personally love black and white cinema. Quoting film critic Roger Ebert, black and white has a certain quality to it, less realistic and more dream like. With a film that has a story as traditional as what The Artist has, if this film was in color it would ruin the entire experience. Same with there being no dialogue at all until the very end. During this film, you are with George Valentine (Jean Dujardin) as he has to deal with the feeling of the art he loved starts to change. And what an experience it is. If there is one other reason that is overlooked about this film, it would be that the message of the film is heavily overlooked. The main message of this film is that art is always changing and while it is nice to stick with the type of art you adore, we as humans need to adapt to new types, embrace how they are, and find the true beauty in every variation. Just like George in this film, he hates talking cinema, seeing as how he was one of the leaders of the golden silent age. But, naturally, he learns to love talking in films after he has a few... events that happen to him. He tries so hard to keep things the way they are, that he soon blocks everything out and when he is introduced to new ideas, he starts to go slightly mad. With that transition, I am in love with the direction of this film. Michel Hazanavicius does a wonderful job setting up the film and making us fall into this world. There is a thing with modern audiences in that they can't stand silent films, they hate black and white. To the average film goer, what they require is strong sex appeal, huge special effects, a hero that is all buffed, and a generic soundtrack that features chart topping songs. This film has none of that. This film is presented with no real special effects like explosions, features flawed characters, and a score that is just amazing to listen to. Then you have how Michel Hazanavicius (my word, that is a mouthful) unfolds the story by having everything told from the actors actually acting. There is no need for speaking and that is heavily embraced from start to finish. Now, I need to talk about the acting because it is astounding. Everyone from Jean Dujardin to Berenice Bejo to John Goodman to even a short cameo by Malcolm McDowell, this cast features, what I call, pure talent. The thing about these actors that separates them from any other cast of characters in 2012 is that they have to put all of the performance into their gestures, their movements. With talkies, you can express yourself with words and get the feelings across. Here they use their faces, arms, bodies in ways we have not see in a long while and what I see is more convincing acting then I have in most modern films. Even more shocking is one particular actor that, while small and scruffy, gives one of the most adorable and loyal of performances to date. In 2012 this film won best picture at the Academy Awards and rightfully so. This film is needed right now to remind us of why we watch films, why we pay ten dollars to go to the theater. This film is a true masterpiece and one I will not be surprised if I return to again and again. Note: this is the best film of 2012. Not my favorite. But it is in my top ten favorites.

• Jeff "

  
  The Artist is an incredible film. There's only one that comes to mind when I think of this, beautiful. I thought this film was superb with a brilliant cast, directing a great story and effective talent that really make this film something so special to watch. This is one of the… More
  The Artist is an incredible film. There's only one that comes to mind when I think of this, beautiful. I thought this film was superb with a brilliant cast, directing a great story and effective talent that really make this film something so special to watch. This is one of the year's best films. The actors are well chosen in their parts, and each brings something great to the screen. This film is sure to go down as a modern masterpiece of cinema. Brilliantly directed by Michel Hazanavicius who directed the great French comedy OSS-117, he departs significantly with this film, and creates a terrific drama. The film is sad with a few bits of humor. Even if it's a silent film, you can pretty much get what's happening on-screen. The lead actors have great chemistry and Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo really make The Artist a special film to watch. Of all the films I've seen, this is hands down the best, most beautiful film to come out in quite some time. This film just captivates you from the first frame onwards and it's so engaging that it's hard to tear yourself away from watching the film. This filmmaking at its finest, and it takes a very interesting look at the birth of talkies and the end of the Silent film era. This is simply put a well crafted film with a brilliant cast, and is one of best films in recent memory. A truly entertaining film, I found it entertaining, comedic, sad and dramatic. Even with that said The Artist has a feel good atmosphere throughout the film. I very much loved this film, and I think it's a perfect tribute to the Silent film era. If you're looking for an extremely well crafted film that is hard to forget, then The Artist is that film. Brilliant and original, this is a film that proves there are still talented filmmakers out there able to create a fun, pleasant and entertaining picture only with the use of a great story and well established cast. A superb film, and a must see this year.

• Manu G

  
  Silence speaks volumes. Amazing Film! 'The Artist' is sure to go down in history as a must-watch. For those who want to study films, for those who pursue cinema relentlessly, and also for those who just watch movies because they just like to. If you're wondering why a… More
  Silence speaks volumes. Amazing Film! 'The Artist' is sure to go down in history as a must-watch. For those who want to study films, for those who pursue cinema relentlessly, and also for those who just watch movies because they just like to. If you're wondering why a silent film, the movie not only answers it, but makes you fall in love with the medium. it's clearly a product of a thinking director, where every thing in the scene has a story to tell. Whether it's the ironical film posters, street signs, or just a little dog barking quietly in the corner. The unknown Jean Dujardin is fantastic in the role of a man without humility and vision to accept the new. He was very worthy of the Oscar for Best Actor. The charm of the also unknown Bérénice Bejo is irresistible and her lovable character is wonderful. But the dog Uggie really steals the film. Altogether the Artist is purely cinema gold, a marvelous concoction of laughter, genius direction, and beautiful cinematography. A picture that every family should see and not be put off by the simple fact it is a silent film as that simply makes it a stronger, more hearty film than the others. In final conclusion the Artist sublime, a breath of that glorious vintage air, so many of us were unlucky to miss. It's 1927. Arguably Hollywood's most admired movie screen idol, George Valentin, is enjoying the success of his latest picture, The Russian Affair. He enjoys his work and the adulation he receives by being a movie star, as witnessed by how he hogs the spotlight during The Russian Affair's post-premiere bows. Peppy Miller is an aspiring young actress, who literally and figuratively runs into Valentin at the premiere, which ends up being the launching pad to her Hollywood acting career. The advent of talking pictures brings a reversal to their fortunes as Kinograph, the movie studio where Valentin is under contract, is looking for fresh faces such as Peppy Miller to star in their talking pictures, while Valentin resists the entire notion of talking pictures. Peppy, who appreciates everything that Valentin did for her career, tries to help him as much as she can, but Valentin may have to decide on his own where and if he fits into the Hollywood machine, one where he doesn't think people want to hear him speak.

• Tyler C

  
  It's the first silent film I've seen in its entirety, but The Artist is a beautiful tribute to the magic of silent cinema with fantastic lead performances by Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo, along with a polished style by writer/director Michel Haznavicius.

• Devon B

  
  "Out with the old, in with the new". It's what they said about silent films when the advent of "talkies" proved to be more than just a passing fad. It's what they said about many of those silent age actors too, who didn't have a voice for film, and… More
  "Out with the old, in with the new". It's what they said about silent films when the advent of "talkies" proved to be more than just a passing fad. It's what they said about many of those silent age actors too, who didn't have a voice for film, and who were soon replaced by other faces and names. Of course new isn't necessarily always better. At least that's what George Valentin (Jean Dujardin in an academy award winning performance) would say. When shown a film clip of a talkie for the first time, he scoffs at it's ridiculousness: where is the artistry? Valentin is an enormously successful silent film star who has just about the whole world wrapped around his finger, he's charismatic, dashing, without guile; his star power radiates like a super nova. Leaving one of his sold out movie premieres, he bumps into a young woman by the name of Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo), who takes an ackward situation and turns it into a paparazzi moment, schmoozing for the cameras. It's all Valentin can do to keep up with her. "Who's That Girl?" reads the Variety page headlines. Peppy takes a copy with her to a movie audition, determined to make sure the producers know. Of course Valentin runs into her again, as fate must seemingly decree, and he insists she try out for a part in his movie. The rise of one star and the fall of another has been done many times in hollywood, A Star is Born, All About Eve, Singin' in the Rain (even some of those Busby Berkeley musicals) have all shared similar themes, but The Artist is only marginally about that. How about the actual artist himself? The man who decrees he'd rather fail by his own creation than succeed pandering to some imagined audience. Artists of the silent screen like Buster Keaton or Douglas Fairbanks (who bears more than a passing resemblance to Dujardin's Valentin character, in both appearance and mannerisms) saw their creativity shackled as sound became the standard and their unique gifts were constrained to studio pigeon holes. In "The Artist", Valentin makes a film of unique beauty, financed by his own money, and ignored by a public still reeling from the stock market crash of 1929. His failure is not from lack of anything, save timing. But The Artist is only marginally about that too. To get to the heart of the matter, The Artist is really and simply about love. Pride makes it difficult to surrender sometimes. Sometimes we'd rather die than admit defeat at an erroneous cause. But what about the man who doesn't surrender to love? The man who is too afraid to let someone see the "real" him? More than anything, Valentin spends the movie running away from love and the surrender he must give to it. It's no surprise "The Artist" won five oscars (Best Costume Design, Best Directing, Best Original Score, Best Lead Actor, and Best Film of the Year), it's production is nearly flawless from one end to the other. Lead actor Jean Dujardin is positively mesmerizing as Valentin and does what few contemporary actors could achieve, his movements on the screen are like that of a ballet dancer's. The director, Michel Hazanavicius, crafts a painstakingly accurate tribute to films not just of the silent era but of the golden age of film in general. With black and white, it's all shadows and light for cinematographers, with Hazanavicius, it's all about the staircase (so many scenes revolve around staircases in this movie, watch and see if you don't notice this). It's the kind of film that will continue to stand out in one's memory years after seeing it, I'm sure. Above all, it's sweetly old-fashioned and poignant, something very rare for a film these days. Simply put, it's beautiful.

• Mike S

  
  What can I say about this wonderful film, that critics and fellow movie-goers haven't already captured in their written acclaim? Well, from a personal standpoint, and as someone who has never before experienced the great wonders of the silent film era, I was both delighted and… More
  What can I say about this wonderful film, that critics and fellow movie-goers haven't already captured in their written acclaim? Well, from a personal standpoint, and as someone who has never before experienced the great wonders of the silent film era, I was both delighted and overwhelmed by how much a movie so muted, can speak in such in tremendous and emotional volumes. From its very first moments, I was absorbed into this black-and-white sensation of a film, and never wanted to leave as it came to a close. Everything has been done so impeccably, so elaborately beautiful in its very essence, that you feel nothing but admiration for the cast and crew behind its making. Director Michel Hazanavicious has succeeded in the near-impossible; bringing back a classic format, that hasn't seen the light of day since 1929. A mesmerizing homage, that not only re-captures the techniques flawlessly, but entertains, moves and sweeps you off into a state of pure awe and inspiration. Yes, The Artist is every bit as amazing as they say. Deserving of all its praise and worthy of all the Oscars that are bound to come in its way. A fantastic, original and incredibly uplifting tour-de-force, that makes everything else in the repertoire look like the work of untalented hacks. A standing ovation and hats off into the air, for this magically brilliant masterpiece, that leaves you as speechless and lost for words as its gifted performers.

• Pierluigi P

  
  A carefully reproduced 1920s setting, a candid and nostalgic score and a moving performance by Jean Dujardin. Besides that, it has nothing original in its plot, not even in its silent gimmick (see Guy Maddin's films e.g.)

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