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As a movie audience in the 21st century, we are so accustomed to snappy dialogue, huge explosions and thundering sound that it’s almost terrifying to walk into a theater with the promise of silence.

But when the opening credits of “The Artist” harken back to simple openers for a silent film, there is a warm nostalgia that alleviates any fear of soundless movies.

The charm of the film more than makes up for the lack of any dialogue.

“The Artist” is a touching love letter to the world of cinema that succeeds where Martin Scorsese’s “Hugo” failed.

Instead of giving us a history lesson on the merits of silent film like Scorsese, director Michel Hazanavicius thrusts us into the world of silence and forces us to make our own judgments.

Borrowing heavily from the plot of “Singin’ in the Rain,” “The Artist” begins by showing successful silent film star George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) at the premiere of yet another hit movie.

There, he meets the appropriately named Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo), and the film diverges into two intersecting plots: Valentin’s frustrations with the advent of “talkies” and Miller’s rise to fame in the new medium.

At times, “The Artist” may seem too cloying or cutesy, but it does match the tone of silent films produced during that burgeoning era of sound.

For those expecting a dark look into the life of the disgraced silent actor, the film doesn’t go too far in depth and the tonal changes are somewhat jarring.

But Dujardin (who won the Best Actor prize at last year’s Cannes) is an ideal fit as Valentin. From his penciled-on mustache to his overconfident charm, Dujardin completely embodies the role.

Bejo gives one of my favorite performances of the year as the young and idealistic Peppy Miller. From the very first moment she appears on screen, she is electric and captivating — it also helps that she is a drop-dead gorgeous and immensely talented actress.

Having never heard of Dujardin or Bejo before the film, I can only hope that I see them more in the future.

It seems almost wrong not to mention Uggie the dog, who is adorable as Valentin’s pet and friend. In a film dominated by great performances, Uggie comes close to stealing the film.

Because the music of the movie is all the audience hears, it is important that it is both memorable and mesmerizing.

Composer Ludovic Bource has created an excellent score that is delightfully reminiscent of brilliant scores from the past.

Hazanavicius — who also wrote the film — distractingly borrows a lot from the plots of other successful movies, but his assured direction achieves charming performances from the cast that more than compensate.

Hollywood hasn’t produced a successful silent movie in quite some time and “The Artist” is a refreshing return for the medium.

Dominated by great performances and a beautiful recreation of a forgotten era, “The Artist” is a light, wonderful trip down movie memory lane.