Movie/TV Show Being Reviewed:
The Artist

Reviewer:
Christopher D'Auria and Philip Clarke

Genre:
Comedy

Movies/TV Shows:
Movie

Suggested Age Range:
Everyone

Age Range Explained:
Due to the PG-13 rating, it is best to use this film with adolescent and adult clients.

Subject Headings:
Aging, Male lifespan development, Relationships

Review:
The Artist, directed by Michael Hazanavicius (2011), is a French black-and-white silent movie that takes place in Hollywood between the years 1927 and 1932 as silent movies are being replaced by talkies. George Valentin is a famous silent movie actor at the peak of his career when the movie begins, and Peppy Miller is a young actress who rises to super-stardom with the rise of talking pictures. Peppy uses the new technology to become the biggest starlet in Hollywood. George loses everything in this pursuit: his wealth, marriage, reputation, and eventually his mind, succumbing to depression and alcoholism. Peppy remains loyal to her former mentor, even stopping his suicide attempt and persuading the studio to let them do a movie together. The film closes with the filming of a dance number for their new member, with George using his dancing skills to break into talkies and overcome his fear of them.

Counselors can use this movie when dealing with clients who are facing periods of transition and change. Because of the PG-13 rating, it is best to use this film with adolescent and adult clients. The character of George can show clients that although transitions can be difficult to navigate through, they can adapt to their new environments with the skills they already possess. They may believe that people have stopped caring about them, but The Artist can show that there are people who are willing to support them and help them through these difficult transitions. Counselors recommending the film to clients should use caution given topics such as suicide.