Review of Modern Times (1936) by Audrey-Kim H — 19 Mar 2008
The first Chaplin movie I saw---I have never been the same.
Although a delightful comedy, I would say that this is the feature-lenght film that Chaplin really started to clearly depict his views on society. For me, the major thing of man vs. machine was evocative of Mary Shelley's novel, FRANKENSTEIN. Dr. Frankenstein created the monster to help humanity, but ended by causing greater damage than anything else. As for "Modern Times", machines that are built with good intentions eventually lead to dehumanization of industy and society in general. Everyone loves a dollar and if it's cheaper to use machines that give greater output faster instead of expensive, slow human labor, why not use machines? As for the workers who lose their jobs, tough luck; you'll have to go somewhere else. Criticism of the government is included as well. Instead of finding some solution for aiding these misplaced people, the authorities spent more energy splitting up the poor Gamin's family and arresting her although she has done no wrong.
Hard-pressed, I'd say this is my favorite Chaplin movie along with "City Lights".
This review of Modern Times (1936) was written by Audrey-Kim H on 19 Mar 2008.
Modern Times has generally received very positive reviews.
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