Not very often do American audiences get treated to a French silent film shot in black and white.

Actually, this never happens, at least not since the 1920s. However, breaking away from the bells and whistles of modern cinema like 3D, IMAX, and CGI is “The Artist,” a gem of a movie in the lead for this year’s Best Picture Oscar.

“The Artist” stays true to its silent film roots and tells the story of silent film-era star George Valentin. Valentin is everything we’ve come to known about silent film stars; he is expressive, animated and proud. However, when the advent of sound recording threatens to dim the star of Valentin, the film takes true form as we see Valentin fall from hero to zero.

Before his downward spiral, Valentin helps launch the career of budding actress Peppy Miller. Miller is a charismatic charmer who Valentin takes an immediate liking to. However, unlike Valentin, Peppy is accepting of film’s new direction in sound and uses the new technology to her advantage and thus a star is born.

Playing George Valentin is French actor is Jean Dujardin. While his name may not be recognizable now, come March after the Oscars, Dujardin’s name won’t be near as foreign. Dujardin must have felt the world’s weight on his shoulders when accepting the role, being that it is a silent film, however the actor channels the likes of Gene Kelley, Charlie Chaplan and Fred Astaire in his role of George Valentin.

Stealing the spotlight just like her character Peppy Miller is French actress Berenice Bejo. Bejo plays the character with the fluidity needed for a silent film and is never shy to show off her captivating smile.

While “The Artist” has every ingredient in the recipe to be pretentious, the film is astoundingly simple. Stripping down the story and allowing for a simple, easy to follow narrative gives “The Artist,” its old world charm.

Much credit is due to the film’s composer Ludovic Bource. Considering that the movie had no real dialogue, Bource constructed a masterful score that is as much of a character as Valentin himself.

With stellar performances and a solid story, “The Artist” is very well one of the best films of the year. And even though the film had no dialogue in its 100 minute run time, it certainly is something to talk about.