Reviewed by Brett Schummer
April 6/14
Original Score: 4.5/5
April 6/14
Original Score: 4.5/5
Charlie Chaplin proves the power of silence in the Tramp's surprisingly poignant swan song.
First of all, I was surprised at just how much I laughed during this film. I find I generally don't laugh out loud when I watch most comedies, but this one totally caught me off guard. I have only seen a bit of Charlie Chaplin's work and I'm already convinced he is one of the comedic masters. If you can set up a comedic scene and have everyone in the audience know exactly what's going to happen yet still laugh aloud anyways, you know how to write comedy. Take the scene with the roller skates for example, as soon as the roller skates come into the frame you think to yourself, "Oh God, here we go," yet it still works.
Modern Times has a satisfying plot. It isn't the greatest, most outlandish plot I've ever seen, but a satisfying plot nonetheless. Charlie Chaplin perfectly portrays his famous character "The Little Tramp" through his exploits in modern day society (the 1930's). The plot consists of the Tramp at his factory job, experiencing a mental breakdown, and subsequently following in and out of other various jobs. The plot is funny, entertaining, and heartwarming, as the Tramp settles down with a girl very much alike him.
The film is a perfect social commentary of the Depression without falling into the perils of being considered propaganda. Chaplin maintains artistic integrity by providing the popular left-wing depiction of the time period while still remaining true to the Tramp character fans have come to love. Combining this with an agreeable plot and a beautiful ending makes Modern Times relevant to this day.
For all the elements present here, I have to give this film a four and a half out of five stars. I simply enjoyed it. A lot actually. Chaplin brilliantly melds high and low brow humour with social commentary in a truly artistic farewell.
Modern Times has a satisfying plot. It isn't the greatest, most outlandish plot I've ever seen, but a satisfying plot nonetheless. Charlie Chaplin perfectly portrays his famous character "The Little Tramp" through his exploits in modern day society (the 1930's). The plot consists of the Tramp at his factory job, experiencing a mental breakdown, and subsequently following in and out of other various jobs. The plot is funny, entertaining, and heartwarming, as the Tramp settles down with a girl very much alike him.
The film is a perfect social commentary of the Depression without falling into the perils of being considered propaganda. Chaplin maintains artistic integrity by providing the popular left-wing depiction of the time period while still remaining true to the Tramp character fans have come to love. Combining this with an agreeable plot and a beautiful ending makes Modern Times relevant to this day.
For all the elements present here, I have to give this film a four and a half out of five stars. I simply enjoyed it. A lot actually. Chaplin brilliantly melds high and low brow humour with social commentary in a truly artistic farewell.