Many films (most famously Singin’ in the Rain) have explored the period in 1920s Hollywood following The Jazz Singer when ‘talkies’ became the latest craze and the silent movie stars had to find a new place in the changing industry. However, none have done it quite like The Artist, which resurrects the lost art of the silent film in order to truly capture its period.

The self-referential plot of the The Artist centres on George Valentin (Dujardin), a silent movie star who becomes obsolete with the advent of the talkie. Complementing the fall of Valentin is the rise of lovely actress Peppy Miller (Bejo) from obscure extra to a successful star of the new style of movies. As their two paths intersect, a lovely romance is kindled.

The romantic comedy also features two great character actors in key supporting roles: James Cromwell as Clifton (Valentin’s servant) and John Goodman as Al Zimmer (Valentin’s studio boss). Also particularly memorable is canine actor Uggie as Dog, a pooch up there in cuteness with Tintin’s Snowy or the eponymous Red Dog.

Likely to sweep the Oscars and be hailed as a modern classic, the film is receiving overwhelming critical acclaim; TIME magazine’s Richard Corliss rated The Artist as his No. 1 movie for 2011, stating: “Here’s a film so seductive it could leave you… speechless.”