I think there is room for everything. While artistically "The Artist" is daring, financially it doesn't need to be. A film that costs $10 million and makes $20 million worldwide offers an excellent ROI, even if it doesn't show up on any blockbuster lists.

Curious about running time.

@Gabe - IMDB probably lists it by now, but it's 1h40. The best 1h40 minutes you will spend. It's wonderful.