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The worst I've seen from Chaplin thus far

posted 15 years ago by Gotensive
15 replies | jump to latest

Prior to this, I saw two Chaplin films, and they were "City Lights", and "The Gold Rush", and while I at the very least enjoyed those two, I didn't like this one at all. It was ridiculously dull, and repetitive (The Tramp getting arrested over and over again, etc) not to mention that it contained a lot of what I would consider unclever slapstick (An example being the interminable scene where he goes round and round the dance floor carrying the tray). I just don't see how that's in any way shape or form "funny", but hey, maybe it's just me.

Formally known as Coilector

[–] Foot_Freakin_Master 15 years ago

Hmm, interesting. I have seen all the main Chaplin films, and Modern Times is my favorite. No problem, just interesting.

[–] natpetra 14 years ago

Modern Times is (for me) one of the best movies of all times, in the history of cinematography! it is the jokes, the message, the details..!

[–] smsuso 14 years ago

Oh, I'm so sorry you feel that way.

Like the other posters who have responded to your post, I think that "Modern Times" is one of the best films of all time. I would also say that its underlying message and themes of perseverence in times of depression is just as topical today as it was when first released. The slapstick humor, particularly the moment Chaplin is swallowed by the machinery or the moment he roller-skates dangerously close to the edge of a great fall, are some of my favorites in his canon.

And then there's the ending.

For Chaplin to pull away from the expected happy ending and give us something completely unexpected yet perfectly realized makes this movie transcendent. More than that, the music that underscores those final moments—which would later be turned into the song “Smile”—is one of the greatest melodies of our time. In its own way, I’d dare to say the ending to “Modern Times” is just as emotional as the (more famous) finale to “City Lights.” Whereas “Lights” is a fairy tale, “Times” reminds us that life will never be one—but as long as we love one another all will not be lost. We’ll get by.

Again, I'm sorry you disliked the film, but I suppose it's not to everyone's tastes since it's the "darkest" of Chaplin's silent films. But then again, the great thing about Chaplin as a filmmaker is that his movies touch upon such a wide variety of subjects and themes that there is something for everyone. As you said, you enjoyed "City Lights" and "The Gold Rush," and if you liked those then I'd highly recommend you tackle "The Kid" next.

[–] j-l-harris 14 years ago

I felt the same way about City Lights, although I loved the closing scene (who doesnt) I found it too slap-sticky for my taste. Its been a while since I saw it but I remember parts where he was drunk or something and just kept falling over again and again and I was like "for Godsake stop falling over and get on with the movie!!!" haha

[–] rfm-1 14 years ago

Unfortunately I agree with you. The movie did not have a good start, the slapstick joke went way too far with Chaplin repeating the same joke again and again and it just felt really unfunny.

The second half of the movie is much better in my opinion and the best joke is when, by accident (everything happens by accident), he ruins the pocket watch and it looks like a pancake! Then I LOL-ed!

In my personal opinion The Kid by far his greatest film, Gold Rush comes second, City Lights was a little dis-appointment but still good and then Modern Times was a huge let down. I haven't seen The Circus yet, nor The Great Dictator.

Edit: The Circus was hilarious, quite liked it! The Great Dictator was good, but not great. The famous speech at the end was great though, really great.

[–] Foot_Freakin_Master 13 years ago

Well I have seen The Circus and The Great Dictator. Since our tastes differ, my opinions may not be of much value to you. My 5 favorite Chaplin films, 1 being best:

1. Modern Times
2. The Kid
3. The Great Dictator
4. City Lights
5. The Circus

I probably need to see CL again, but I definitely need to watch The Gold Rush again, as it disappointed to some degree.

[–] galarza_rodrigo 10 years ago

Agree with you 100%! I have only seen The Kid, City Lights and Modern Times tho. The Kid was the first one I saw and I loved it. Then I watched City Lights and was a little disappointed but it was alright. Now Modern Times... I didn't find it funny at all, it was pretty boring for me and it makes me to not want to watch any other Chaplin's movies 😢

[–] magic8ball2112 14 years ago

It was "amusing" but I think with all the approbations its gotten ("His Best!" etc.) I expected more. The political overtones didn't really bother me.

The first Chaplin film I ever saw, The Rink was real flat-out funny, though. Just the same, his Pay Day film short was screened just before Modern Times & I thought it was also hit-&-miss.

[–] Errington_92 13 years ago

It was ridiculously dull, and repetitive (The Tramp getting arrested over and over again)

He was emphasizing the harsh realities of the working class during the period in which 'Modern Times' was released. I believe the reason why the Tramp was constantly arrested was one of the ways in which Chaplin highlighted the struggles of the working class.

"I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not".

[–] BarksdaleBaratheon 13 years ago

Did anyone else think that the reason he kept trying to get arrested was so that he could have meals in prison rather than go hungry on the outside?

[–] Foot_Freakin_Master 13 years ago

Absolutely. He was a misfit on the outside, and destitute. He got a comfortable room and meals everyday in jail.

[–] whereismikeyfl 13 years ago

Everyone here is just talking about the features, but the best Tramp films are the two-reelers.

Look at all those great two-reelers that he made before 1920 and you will understand why he was so revered.

While his features are good, they never surprise you and astonish you like the early ones do.

[–] daftspunk 12 years ago

i have seen just 3 0f his films but this is the worst of em all.
the first one i saw was the great dictator and i thought it was a masterpiece.
second one was city lights..and i liked it..a 8/10 movie
but i hate this film..the only part i enjoyed was the opening scenes in the factory and the 'singing scene towards the end'...and i thought the rest of the movie was plain bore.
next i m planning to see 'gold rush' and later 'the kid'
hope they were better!!

[–] 12 years ago

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[–] sturmtiger00 8 years ago

I loved Modern Times. I also really liked The Gold Rush, The Kid, and The Great Dictator. I didn't care for City Lights though.