The Artist (film)

The Artist is a 2011 romantic comedy drama film directed by Michel Hazanavicius, starring Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo. The story takes place in Hollywood between 1927 and 1932 and focuses on the relationship of an older silent film star and a rising young actress, as silent cinema falls out of fashion and is replaced by the talkies.

George Valentin

 * I won't talk! I won't say a word!
 * Opening scene, showing a film in which he is being tortured with electrical devices on his neck.


 * If that's the future you can have it!
 * On being shown a "talkie"

Peppy Miller

 * People are tired of old actors mugging at camera to be understood. Out with the old, in with the new. Make way for the young! That's life!
 * Interviewed by reporters, unaware George is behind her.


 * There's one thing we could try. Trust me.
 * To George

Doris

 * We have to talk, George. Why do you refuse to talk?

Others

 * PLEASE BE BE SILENT BEHIND THE SCREEN.
 * Sign backstage as one of Valentin's Kinograph films is being shown.


 * WHO'S THAT GIRL? That's The Question On Everyone's Lips. Who Indeed?
 * Variety headline, above photo of Peppy kissing George

Dialogue

 * Doris: I am unhappy, George.
 * George: So are millions of us.




 * Al Zimmer: Perfect! Could you give me just one more?
 * George: With pleasure.
 * This exchange is the only dialogue spoken aloud in the film.

Quotes about The Artist

 * Here is one of the most entertaining films in many a moon, a film that charms because of its story, its performances and because of the sly way it plays with being silent and black and white. "The Artist" knows you're aware it's silent and kids you about it. Not that it's entirely silent, of course; like all silent films were, it's accompanied by music. You know — like in a regular movie when nobody's talking? … I've seen "The Artist" three times, and each time it was applauded, perhaps because the audience was surprised at itself for liking it so much. It's good for holiday time, speaking to all ages in a universal language. Silent films can weave a unique enchantment. During a good one, I fall into a reverie, an encompassing absorption that drops me out of time.
 * Roger Ebert, in The Chicago Sun-Times (21 December 2011)


 * The Artist was made as a love letter to cinema, and grew out of my (and all of my cast and crew’s) admiration and respect for movies throughout history.
 * Michel Hazanavicius, in "'The Artist' Director Responds to Kim Novak Slam Over 'Vertigo' Music", in The Hollywood Reporter (9 January 2012)