Cinema Vanguard Award (Jean Dujardin & Berenice Bejo)

Reviewed by Jesse Deason at the 2012 Santa Barbara International Film Festival

First of all I have to say I was lucky enough to be able to watch “The Artist” just a few hours before the Vanguard Awards given to its two academy award nominated stars Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo. Mr. Dujardin doesn’t speak much English so he had a translator but that didn’t stop him from showing the American audience just how amazingly talented and funny he really is. Between his natural charm and Berenice’s grace and classiness they singlehandedly saved what was a poorly organized and orchestrated debaucle of an award ceremony.

Part of me hopes Roger Durling, who gave the interview doesn’t read this review because other than this night he did a brilliant job as always directing the festival. That being said this night wasn’t his best showing. He appeared to forget that the majority of the audience didn’t speak french as fluently as himself so rarely waited for Mr. Dujardin’s tranlator to what she was there to do. The amazing Malcolm McDowell was the presenter and he didn’t get properly introduced. Instead it seemed he got chastised from Mr. Durling for not coming out on time. Mr. McDowell however sharply reminded him he was waiting for an obvious introduction that never came. I’m sure Roger wasn’t directing his comment towards Mr. McDowell and in all likelihood wasn’t even the one who messed up but he definitely emerged as the bad guy at that moment.

Again though the night was ultimately salvaged by the lovely Berenice Bejo and her undeniable class and grace along with Jean Dujardin’s infectious charm and natural wit. Without which the audience would have been uncomfortable at times. The clips that were shown however of previous works such as OSS 117 Cairo Den of Spies was an absolute treat and a film I can’t wait to see. We were told how the final dance number from “The Artist” took 5 months of practice and 17 takes. But the final result is something that will be talked about for years to come. Mr. Dujardin talked about how he always wanted to be a 1920s film star in Hollywood and was ecstatic to have the chance.

Both he and Berenice frequently mentioned the director (Michael Hazanavicius) as deserving of so much of the credit behind not only their performances in “The Artist” but behind the greatness of the film itself. I’m very happy I was able to attend this award ceremony and able to get to know the talented and awesome people behind it.