Review of Chaplin (1992) by Cyrus B — 26 Jun 2008

CHAPLIN.

Chaplin(Details here),the story of one of the most iconic men in the history of cinema, managed to get itâ??s star, Robert Downey Jr a load of nominations for his portrayal of Charles Chaplin. Whilst biographical films are often hit or miss and fail to engage throughout, the story of Chaplin is intriguing enough, alongside Robert Downey Jrâ??s performance, to make this film a cut above the usual.

Born in England, made a living on the stage until becoming an icon in the silent movies, becoming an enemy of the FBI and forced to live in exile from America after numerous relationships and marriages, often with women regarded as child actresses, Charlie Chaplin certainly had a life worth showing. Told from the point of a fictitious biographer(Anthony Hopkins) working with the elderly Chaplin, the narrative charts the curious life of the man best known for his character, â??The Trampâ??.

The main point of interest is Robert Downey Jr, who simply becomes Charles Chaplin, managing to capture the physicality of a man who helped shaped early cinema. Forcing the viewer to fall effortlessly into his grip, we are utterly convinced by all we see. The supporting cast is peppered with big names and stars who fill their roles beautifully, especially Kevin Kline, recreating a plethora of characters that the audience finds near impossible to doubt, to class acting.

Richard Attenborough directs with some very intriguing choices, choosing a few sequences to be shot in the style of a classic Chaplin movie, bringing a slapstick element to real life, which profoundly changes the tone of the movie into something greater than a simple biopic. As well as a reserved use of actual clips from Chaplinâ??s work, the only downside being the elementary use of camera throughout the film in general.

Overall, whilst Robert Downey Jrâ??s performance and some of the directorial choices are solid, the screenplay itself is what gives the piece a real sense of purpose and quality. However some of the directorial choices, namely the use of camera, let the piece down overall, even so, the film remains entertaining and is a rewarding experience at the end of it. Worth watching.