Review of Modern Times (1936) by Michael Y — 01 Aug 2011

No matter how much time passes, even in these modern times (Bad pun. Sorry.) Charlie Chaplin's hilarious slapstick is still clever and original and will entertain everyone.

Charlie Chaplin's last silent film is still just as brilliant as his earlier work. A factory worker goes insane in his demanding factory job where machines are more important then men and the rich and powerful seen to do less than the men who matter. He is sent to prison, but doesn't want to leave and be sent back in the cruel world. As he tries to find a job (or get arrested again) he falls in love with a poor girl and they work together to be find jobs. It's easy to say that Modern Times still appeals today because it's themes are still true. Modern Times draws a brilliant example of people's struggle with the ever changing world, and Chaplin's writing and slapstick performance is always hilarious and with a hint of romance because of his lovely co-star, Paulette Goddard.

Chaplin's directing is still just as brilliant, taking full advantage of the silent film era to present as many jokes as possible. But it's not just Chaplin's slapstick directing that makes his movies brilliant. Chaplin's films were benchmarks of beautiful filmmaking too. The cinematography is top notch and the directing and pacing of the movie is smooth and enjoyable. But one thing I love about Modern Times is its sets and machine designs. The enviroment of the entire movie is a perfect balance of realism and fantasy to make fun of the assembly line and workers unions. Oh, and when Chaplin gets sucked into the machine while trying to still screw the bolts of the... whatever the hell is job his, it looks so cool.

The look of the movie is not only great and full of detail, but its symbolism makes us think about our own world today. Though Modern Times is Chaplin's last silent film out of dozens, it's one of his best and every single bit as entertaining that only Chaplin can provide.