Review of Modern Times (1936) by Grant S — 31 Oct 2014
A timeless classic, just as relevant today as in 1936.
You have the usual Charlie Chaplin ingredients. First you have the incredibly funny and creative visual comedy. Pure creative genius. Plus you have the usual emotional content.
Chaplin's previous classics - The Kid, The Gold Rush, The Circus, City Lights - all had these and are fantastic movies.
However, Modern Times trumps all those. Not only is it hilariously funny and bitter-sweet but it has social commentary too. Chaplin takes aim at the dehumanizing effect of factory work, and the general way workers are treated. While the picture he paints makes us laugh, rather than make us angry, behind the comedy there is a lot of truth. This satire is still relevant today. It doesn't have to be factories, it could be any workplace.
Superb direction by Chaplin. He is more known for his acting antics and creative scripts but the camerawork here is fantastic.
Other than the all-round Chaplin brilliance, the other standout in the movie is Paulette Goddard, who plays his love interest. Beautiful with an endearing waifishness, impishness and sense of humour, she matches Chaplin step for step. (She was to become Chaplin's third wife shortly after the movie was released).
An all-time classic.
This review of Modern Times (1936) was written by Grant S on 31 Oct 2014.
Modern Times has generally received very positive reviews.
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