Haven't seen The Artist yet, but if you like your French films check out the two OSS 117 films that Jean Dujardin made prior to his acclaim in The Artist. They're both Sean Connery era spoof spy films. Quite politically incorrect which makes them all the funnier. He's a great visual comedian and I can well imagine him being outstanding in a silent film.
OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies (the chicken fight is a scream)
OSS 117: Lost in Rio
Chris
