Artist, The

Set in 1927, The Artist tells the story of film superstar George Valentin (Dujardin), who is about to be banished from the movie business by the advent of talking pictures. With the introduction of "The Talkies," as movies with sound were known at their onset, came the abrupt end to the careers of many silent film stars, including George's screen persona, which soon falls into oblivion. For young movie extra Peggy Miller (Bejo), the sky's the limit, and major movie stardom awaits. Both destinies are interlinked. (Gary Reber)