Monday 2 July 2018

Post colonial perspective of reading movie Modern Times ......... By charlie Chaplin ........ Movie Review......!

Modern Times ......... By charlie Chaplin ........ Movie Review......!




Modern times .... 
#movie screening 29.6.18.
@deprtment of english MKBU 
As a part of my study of modernist literature....
Masters study in english literature..... 2018 .19 
Movie review in form of digital dairy ..



Charles Chaplin was an icon during the early part of the twentieth century, and even years after his death still revered by many as a comical genius. Yet, on reflection, few will know the man behind the tramp. The man who chose making people laugh as his quest in life, also delicately brought serious social and political issues to the attention of his audiences. The film which this paper critiques, "Modern Times" (1936), is on one hand an exuberant comedy, especially to viewers unaware of the severe reality of America during the age within which the film is set. Yet, on the other hand, the satirical aim of "Modern Times" was to present a political statement which many perceived in its day to be an abrasive attack on capitalism. This film, with all its slap-stick humor, in fact, is a very sensitive, serious political statement. This, although at the time denied to the press, was not as obvious as later works by Chaplin, such as his next film, the "Great Dictator", which was an unconcealed reflection of his own views on the political situation during 1939. Originally titled "The Masses", "Modern Times" has prompted the head of the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) J. Edger Hoover, to open a file on Charlie Chaplin and his affiliation and activities with friends, who were also considered to be radicals. These radicals included, to name but a few, one of the greatest minds of the twentieth century, Albert Einstein, the intellectually astute British political figure, Harold Laski, and the author H. G. Wells. "Modern Times", filmed from 1932 to 1936, is set during the years leading up and through the Great Depression era of the 1930's in America. The thesis of the film addresses several themes of the time, using various key elements of transition to the story line.



Chaplin’s critique of the machine age is rooted in a history of industrial sabotage. It also foreshadows many artistic responses to the “megamachine,” from George Orwell’s “Big Brother,” to the monkey-wrenchers of Edward Abbey and T.C. Boyle, to the visionary city symphony Koyaanisqatsi (Godfrey Reggio, 1982), in which humans are enslaved by the technology that is their grid and host.
Modern Times is Chaplin’s last “silent” film, and a last bow for his “Tramp” character, which had made Chaplin the world’s most famous man in the 1920s. After the 1931 premier of City Lights 9131), Chaplin went on a world tour, meeting with many leaders to discuss the pressing issues of the time. In newspaper articles and later an autobiography, he described his travels.




“Modern Times,” took a set in the era of the great depression in the 30s where the economy was going downhill and people were required to compete for jobs in factories. The Tramp (Charles Chaplin) is one of the workers in a factory that exploits its workers. Since factories were required to work to maximize time and experience lunch hours to be eliminated, The Tramp had a very nervous experience and made an accident at the plant. Due to a mental disorder, he was required to be taken to a psychiatric hospital which he was unlucky to be involved in a demonstration that resulted in a ridiculous misunderstanding. For this reason, he must be put in jail for several months. Because of one thing he did, The Tramp was considered a hero for having thwarted the efforts of an inmate who trying to escape. It made him a fulfilled and happy life in prison. After several months out, he meets an orphan girl (Paulette Goddard) who just lost her father. Finally, they both start meeting, getting to know each other, and building a dream for a better life going forward.



Charlie Chaplin also here shows us how the people who are in this movie into an unfit category so that living happily in the middle of simplicity is a dream of everyone, especially having a home and welcomed by his wife from work. This is what makes Charlie Chaplin a genius director. Although this film is indeed a pure comedy, the meaning, drama, and messages that existed in this film aren’t lost. Chaplin brings us in various aspects and issues that will always be significant if connected at the present time.


Of course, this movie still uses the same technique as the movie City Lights.Starting from a very funny slapstick comedy that I love but some of the audience there’s also not laughing, the acting of Chaplin who shows us how to express, gesture, and moves, down to the dramatic aspect of the story in his expression. Indeed, if Chaplin’s works have proven that comedy like slapstickisn’t a cheap comedy that looks like a fool. Although not as touchable as the City Lights, Modern Times can always describe a very moving story but a happy feeling arises.O
CONCLUSION......!!
Overall, as always, the classic films or Chaplin’s works will always become eternal for the people who have seen them. Modern Times is a film featuring comedic elements that are accompanied by drama elements and full of meaning in it.

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