The Artist

A careful analysis of Michael Haranavicius's The Artist shows that this charming film is much more than a (mostly) silent, black-and white-movie. Based on a familiar 1920s motif, it tells the tale of the handsome leading man George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) who helps the upcoming Peppy (Berenice Bejo) find stardom. The film is good, clean fun until there are hints that recall touches of Rod Serling's Twilight Zone. The characters are as trapped in their silent medium as they are in their personal relationships, that is, until George finds his voice. From a Jungian perspective, we discover the story of George's struggle with narcissism and shadow and a courtship with his soul. While this theme has been told many times, it surfaces here in a fresh, surprising new way that reminds us of the many roles played by the anima in a man's development.