The Artist

French filmmaker Michel Hazanavicius leaves parody behind for his sincere, yet scintillating, 2011 silent film, The Artist. In the glamorous world of 1920s Hollywood, George Valentin (Jean Dujardin with a performance that must earn an Oscar nod) is an arrogant silent-film star who scoffs at the coming of sound and the emergence of "talkies." While his stubborn silence threatens his marriage and career, aspiring actress Peppy Miller (a mesmerizing Bérénice Bejo) rides the wave of sound to stardom. When Valentin and Miller meet, an unshakeable bond is formed that makes for an enchanting romance. Dujardin and Bejo (real-life wife of the director) share a vibrant chemistry and natural charisma that, when coupled with Hazanavicius' unerring skill for visual humor and masterful soundless storytelling, makes for the most enjoyable movie-going experience of the year. Hazanavicius' deep adoration of Hollywood's Golden Age shows through countless allusions, resulting in dazzling art design, a poignant score, and crisp, compelling cinematography. Still, the film expertly transcends homage to tell a fresh and spirited tale of love. A bold and unabashed celebration of cinema, The Artist is so fearlessly filled with joy and whimsy that it should win over even the most cynical moviegoer.