Spoilers · the ending
The Artist: the ending, explained
Michel Hazanavicius · 2011
This page gives the ending away. Not seen the film yet? Its spoiler-free guide is here.
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Spoilers · the ending
Michel Hazanavicius · 2011
This page gives the ending away. Not seen the film yet? Its spoiler-free guide is here.
What happens
Peppy stops George from taking his own life and gets him cast opposite her in a musical. After a tap routine, the director calls cut and George speaks for the first time. He has found a way to work again.
The last line
"With pleasure."
What it says
George survives by changing, not by giving up what he loves. The dance joins the two stars as equals, and his voice, heard at last, shows that sound need not erase the old craft. The ending is warm because it forgives pride and rewards adapting.