The Artist
Outside a movie premiere, enthusiastic fan Peppy Miller literally bumps into the swashbuckling hero of the silent film, George Valentin. The star reacts graciously and Peppy plants a kiss on his cheek as they are surrounded by photographers. The headlines demand: "Who's That Girl?" and Peppy is inspired to audition for a dancing bit-part at the studio. However as Peppy slowly rises through the industry, the introduction of talking-pictures turns Valentin's world upside-down.
Despite a mid-range budget of $15.0M, The Artist became a massive hit, earning $133.4M worldwide—a remarkable 790% return.
5 Oscars. 162 wins & 204 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The Artist (2011) demonstrates carefully calibrated narrative architecture, characteristic of Michel Hazanavicius's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 40 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.3, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Characters
Cast & narrative archetypes
George Valentin
Peppy Miller
Jack
Clifton
Al Zimmer
Doris
Main Cast & Characters
George Valentin
Played by Jean Dujardin
A silent film star who struggles with the transition to talkies and his fading relevance in Hollywood.
Peppy Miller
Played by Bérénice Bejo
An aspiring young actress who rises to stardom in the talkie era while maintaining affection for George.
Jack
Played by Uggie
George's loyal dog and constant companion through his rise and fall.
Clifton
Played by James Cromwell
George's faithful butler and chauffeur who stays with him despite financial hardship.
Al Zimmer
Played by John Goodman
George's studio boss who tries to convince him to embrace talking pictures.
Doris
Played by Penelope Ann Miller
George's wife who leaves him when his career and fortune decline.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes George Valentin basks in adoration at movie premiere, charming crowds. He's at the peak of silent film stardom, beloved and successful.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when George experiences prophetic nightmare where he loses his voice and can't be heard, while the world around him erupts with sound - foreshadowing the talkie revolution.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 25 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to George defiantly chooses to produce and direct his own silent film with his own money, refusing to accept that talkies are the future., moving from reaction to action.
At 49 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 49% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat False defeat: George's film is a complete failure, opening the same day as Peppy's talkie triumph. He's financially ruined and professionally obsolete., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 74 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, George burns his old films in drunken despair, fire spreads. Uggie saves him but George has lost everything including his will to live. Whiff of death: near-suicide attempt., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 79 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Peppy buys George's auctioned possessions and devises plan to cast him in her next picture, combining his talent with new technology - synthesis of old and new., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Artist's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping The Artist against these established plot points, we can identify how Michel Hazanavicius utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Artist within the comedy genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Bad Guys, Ella Enchanted and The Evening Star.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
George Valentin basks in adoration at movie premiere, charming crowds. He's at the peak of silent film stardom, beloved and successful.
Theme
Studio boss Al Zimmer says "Out with the old, in with the new" regarding changing times in Hollywood, foreshadowing the coming technological revolution.
Worldbuilding
Establishing George's world: his stardom, relationship with co-star Constance, marriage to Doris, loyal dog Uggie, and chance encounter with Peppy Miller outside premiere.
Disruption
George experiences prophetic nightmare where he loses his voice and can't be heard, while the world around him erupts with sound - foreshadowing the talkie revolution.
Resistance
Studio embraces talkies; George dismisses them as a fad and refuses to adapt. Al Zimmer warns him but George remains confident in silent films. Peppy's star rises.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
George defiantly chooses to produce and direct his own silent film with his own money, refusing to accept that talkies are the future.
Mirror World
Peppy Miller, now a rising talkie star, represents the new world George refuses to join. Their dance rehearsal shows connection despite being in different worlds.
Premise
George makes his silent film while Peppy's talkie career soars. His premiere coincides with hers; his theater is empty, hers packed. Stock market crashes. Doris leaves him.
Midpoint
False defeat: George's film is a complete failure, opening the same day as Peppy's talkie triumph. He's financially ruined and professionally obsolete.
Opposition
George's downward spiral: dismisses servants, auctions possessions, loses his mansion. Peppy becomes superstar. George's pride prevents him from accepting help or adapting.
Collapse
George burns his old films in drunken despair, fire spreads. Uggie saves him but George has lost everything including his will to live. Whiff of death: near-suicide attempt.
Crisis
George lies catatonic in hospital. Peppy discovers George was her secret benefactor years ago, kept his gift. She realizes she must save him as he once saved her.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Peppy buys George's auctioned possessions and devises plan to cast him in her next picture, combining his talent with new technology - synthesis of old and new.
Synthesis
Peppy brings George to studio, orchestrates dance number. George initially resists but finally accepts collaboration, finding new purpose performing alongside Peppy.
Transformation
George and Peppy finish tap dance number; George smiles genuinely and speaks his first words on film: "With pleasure!" He's embraced the new world and found happiness.