Review of Chaplin (1992) by Chris W — 11 Jul 2009
The "Michael Jackson" uber entertainer of his era, Charlie Chaplin led a fascinating whirlwind life, itself not without controversy. Robert Downey Jr's movie career has also been a rather tortuous path, due to a now apparently extinct substance abuse problem that for a period literally rendered him uninsurable with the major studios.
In Richard Attenborough's Chaplin he scales acting heights that few have ever come close to matching, leading one to speculate on other big roles he might easily have won, had he not so enthusiastically answered the clarion call of the Colombian marching powder et al.
From Chaplin's early performances in English music hall, to his arrival in America and the subsequent scaling of unprecedented heights in the then new Hollywood, to his eventual deportation from the United States, Downey Jr.
gives a consistently brilliant portrayal of the first genuine world superstar. Attenborough's reverential direction style creates some wonderful period scenes, which only amplify Downey Jr's tour de force performance.
An unmissable treat that you will return to again and again.
This review of Chaplin (1992) was written by Chris W on 11 Jul 2009.
Chaplin has generally received positive reviews.
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