Review of Limelight (1952) by Grant S — 06 Nov 2014
Not Charlie Chaplin's final movie, but it feels like it should be. There is a symmetry and poetry to this movie, like Chaplin was writing his own epitaph. Life's cycle is there for all to see.
The last few scenes are great, and would have been a fitting way for Chaplin to sign off his career.
Certainly not your average Chaplin movie. While there are some humorous moments, this is a drama, and a very poignant one too.
Good performance by Chaplin in the lead role. Maybe a bit too speech-filled and theatrical for a movie - though the fault there would be with Chaplin the writer, not Chaplin the actor.
Claire Bloom is great as the female lead. Sweet, beautiful and very convincing.
Good to see Buster Keaton, albeit in a minor role.
Not perfect, however. As mentioned, some of Chaplin's dialogue is overly theatrical and verbose. Plus, the point of the movie is soon obvious, but Chaplin draws it out unnecessarily. This results in the movie seeming to drag in places, especially in the latter half of the movie.
Chaplin at his most symbolic and poetic.
This review of Limelight (1952) was written by Grant S on 06 Nov 2014.
Limelight has generally received very positive reviews.
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