Review of Chaplin (1992) by Rocko P — 09 Aug 2009

Chaplin says in this film at one point something along the lines of, "If you want to know me, watch my films." Nothing sums up this biopic for me better than that line. I watched all of Chaplin's full length films in the weeks before I sat down to watch the story of them. Unfortunately, the narrative of his career is spelled out in and between the films he made. This film connects the dots a bit, but there's a lot missing...scenes that I wanted. I wanted to get in his state of mind a little bit more. That said, maybe one day they'll put out the 4 hour cut of this movie.

As it is, it's still a classic. Don't get me wrong...I love the film. Downey is brilliant. I forgot numerous times that it was him behind the makeup. It's especially interesting to see him here now that he's a gigantic star. Although, the star here...is Chaplin. His life was just completely fascinating, sad, genius, crazy. And he's beyond entertaining here. The film is just too short. And maybe the story structure is what bothers me. I don't like the addition of the Anthony Hopkins character...I don't buy the scenes.

I think Attenborough's direction here is fantastic. I love his use of Chaplin techniques to present scenes of his own life. And I won't lie...at the end when he's waiting to accept his Oscar, I got chills. It may be one of my favorite film scenes period.

A worthy film. I hope we do get to see a full director's cut someday. Maybe the new Three Stooges and Marx Brothers films can bring about another classic comedy revival like Chaplin got to see at the end of his life. One can hope.