In theaters later this week, THE ARTIST is a heartfelt love-letter to the early days of moving pictures. Set in 1927 (as movies were going from silents to talkies), the familiar story centers on a silent film star on his way out who meets and falls for an extra destined for fame. Written and directed by MICHEL HAZANAVICIUS, the cast includes JEAN DUJARDIN, BERENICE BEJO, JOHN GOODMAN, PENELOPE ANN MILLER and JOHN CROMWELL. Shot in black-and-white and without spoken dialogue, THE ARTIST has been receiving surprisingly good notices from critics and film festival audiences. During our recent interview, PENELOPE ANN MILLER admitted she was thrilled with the reactions the movie has been getting. (CLICK ON THE MEDIA BAR FOR AUDIO)

THE ARTIST opens in theaters Friday