Hollywood, 1927. George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is one of Hollywood’s reigning silent screen idols, instantly recognizable with his slim moustache and signature white tie and tails. Starring in exotic tales of intrigue and derring-do, the actor has turned out hit after hit for Kinograph, the studio run by cigar-chomping mogul Al Zimmer (John Goodman). For young dancer Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo), the future will be what she makes of it. Vivacious and good-humored, Peppy first crosses George’s path at his film premiere and then as an extra. When Hollywood falls under the sway of the captivating new talking pictures, George wants no part of the new technology, scorning the talkie as a vulgar fad. By 1929, however Kinograph is preparing to cease all silent film production and George faces a choice: embrace sound, like the rising young star Peppy Miller; or risk a slide into obscurity.

Director: Michel Hazanavicius 2011 France/Belgium 100min. PG-13 35mm

Nominated for 10 Academy Awards: Actor In a Leading Role, Actress In a Supporting Role, Art Direction, Best Picture, Cinematography, Costume Design, Directing, Film Editing, Music (Original Score), Writing (Original Screenplay)

Website: http://www.okcmoa.com/see/films/the-artist/

Categories: Film, Foreign