Review of Modern Times (78)

Plot
In Modern Times, the Tramp turns against modern society, the machine age, and progress before walking into the sunrise. This movie marked the end of Charlie Chaplin's silent films and was released in a time in which everyone else was making "talkies."

Jason’s Thoughts
Charlie Chaplin is usually the first thing that comes into people’s minds when they think of silent films, and for good reason.  Chaplin created an iconic character in the Tramp with his hat, moustache and mannerisms that defined a silent film era.  As they say, everything must come to an end and Modern Times is the last hurrah for the Tramp and closes the book on the character.  

From working on the assembly line to skating blindfolded to being high on cocaine, Chaplin’s exaggerated actions and movement is really all that is needed to tell the audience what is going on in the scene.  Not all of Modern Times is about actions, though, as we do get to finally hear the Tramp’s voice as he performs as a singing and dancing waiter.  Of course, he forgets the lyrics and sings the song in gibberish, but it still steals the show and manages to get stuck in your memory for a long time.  

There are some drawbacks to this film, however, such as the jerky transition from scene to scene.  At times, Modern Times almost seemed like a series of loosely related skits instead of a full fledged movie.   For example, at one point the Tramp runs into an orphan who had just stolen a loaf of bread.  Shortly thereafter, the two are living in a house together with very little explanation.  Pair that with a few gags that seemed to run a little long and the movie went from four stars down to three.  

It is a high three stars, though.

Crystal’s Review
I am not sure why, but again, I was dreading a silent film.  And of course, as it ended, I was still amazed that a silent movie could be so good!  I am thinking I have found a new genre of movies to love.  Not that any are even made any more to my knowledge.  Yes, I am too lazy to simply Google it and find out.  Plus, this review needs to get written.  We watched this movie almost a month ago...

I think what fascinated me the most with Modern Times is the wonderful humor that was presented throughout it.  Yet, there is no dialogue!  While the camera work was a bit rougher than Sunrise, the film was still pleasing to the eye.  If you think about the year the movie was actually made, I think it’s easy to give it a little leeway.

I wouldn't say this film made me a fan of Charlie Chaplin, but I can see why he is so well remembered for his roles.  I just struggle with how silly he always seems to look, which does add to his character and is important to playing the role.  When I brought Modern Times up in a Wikipedia search (to refresh the memory a bit), Chaplin really earned my kudos.  Not only did he star in the film, but he wrote it, directed it, and produced it.  Quite an accomplishment and quite a film.  For anyone who may be considering some old movies, start in the silent ones.  You'll be pleasantly surprised.

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