In an industry overwhelmed with CGI, 3D, and all the rest, it is refreshing to see a director returning to the roots of The Movies in this beautiful homage to 1920’s cinema. We open at a film premier in Hollywood, 1927, as established star George Valentin (the devilishly sexy Jean Dujardin) basks in the adoration of his fans. When he (literally) bumps into Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo), a shy but ambitious actress, sparks fly. Yet as the pair fall for one another, Valentin’s career as a silent movie actor quickly plummets. Meanwhile, Peppy’s reputation soars as she becomes the fresh face of the next big thing, the Talkies. The plot is unassuming: boy meets girl, girl gets famous, boy gets jealous and sulks. Yet the interaction between the two is enchanting, as the story unfolds with charming simplicity.

Essentially a silent movie about the death of silent movies, the film celebrates the often-overlooked qualities of this outdated art form. With no dialogue, and an uncomplicated plot, it is free to explore the visual opportunities offered by the style. The relationship between the two develops through a series of meaningfully raised eyebrows and the coquettish fluttering of eyelashes. The costumes and film sets are stunningly accurate: particularly memorable is the highly metaphorical scene where Valentin sinks into quicksand, echoing his fall from grace, as well as exposing the limited ‘special effects’ of early cinema.

It is difficult not to make The Artist sound terribly pretentious and artsy – yes, it is in black and white, and yes, it is a silent movie: nonetheless it is one of the most accessible and relatable films of the past year, and one which suits a diverse audience. Dujardin and Bejo are dazzling as the dynamic duo at the centre of the movie, alongside familiar faces John Goodman and James Cromwell. An unexpected cameo from Malcolm MacDowell is also a personal highlight. Director Hazanavicius is clearly a devoted cineaste, with overt references to Hitchcock, and a scene lifted almost entirely from Citizen Kane. Such subtleties bring a further level of meaning to this fun, flirty film. Definitely a must-see for the New Year.