Numerous takeaways for me, with most centering around character(s) and story. As MrsJingles stated earlier (BTW great Psychological Journey analysis!) it's a well told, simple story with emotional impact. While reading the script I was very aware how stripped it was of dialogue, but then how fortified it was with theme, plot, action, nuance, intrigue and heart. Every character in the script had a voice; oh, the irony! I also noted that each character had their moment, not only within story--but a moment that an actor could embrace, allowing the actor to say 'yes' to the project. This script took show-not-tell to a new level. And I know I'll be referring back to it as a how-to for my writing. I repeat, analyzing The Artist was an education and a delight. Thanks, Scott, for organizing the Scene-by-Scene Challenge.

I saw the film in Istanbul, and the title cards with the dialogue bits had been translated into Turkish (and my Turkish could use some improvement). There was only one spot that I found confusing without the aid of words. (Without the dialogue, I didn't understand that George had previously asked his chauffeur to buy pearls for his wife and was confused by what happened with Peppy in that scene.) Sure, the dialogue cards add some depth and clarity, especially with the statement of theme at the beginning, but the movie would have been basically understandable without any title cards at all. Which seems like quite a feat. Agree with Traci that this is one to learn from.