A significant part of contemporary American culture is film. Over time, American film has evolved from silent, black and white pictures to high action, CGI animation. The 2011 Academy Award winning film “The Artist” celebrates the history of American film by telling the story of a silent film era actor, George Valentin, and the struggle he faces as talking pictures become popularized. What makes this film so unique is that the movie itself is a silent, black and white film. The character of George is faced with change in the movie and is forced to accept the evolving film landscape, but the film itself uses the forms of early American film to portray how, in the midst of change, it is important to remember one’s roots. This film illustrates how American literature is constantly changing, yet it withholds traditions and often commemorates the past. By using a silent film to tell the story of the silent film era, “The Artist” explores what it means to honor the past while still looking forward. It is a love story to the growth of the American film industry and the hope that film will continue to advance and make an impact on society.