Review of Modern Times (1936) by Kyle C — 11 Dec 2010

Just when Charlie Chaplin took a risk at releasing a silent film 4 years after their death, he then took an even bigger risk by releasing one almost a decade after silent films became a thing of the past. And it STILL was a huge international success.

The issue Chaplin addresses this time around is the harsh times of the Great Depression, as it begins with our lovable protagonist, The Tramp (who is here a 'mechanical worker'), as he is working to death trying to meet quota in a factory which leads to some very humorous sequences including a scene in which he gets attacked by a food feeding machine and him accidently getting pulled into a machine.

Following the chaos at the factory, the Tramp is put into jail for suspicions of being a communist (for waving a red flag) and is very content staying there. However, after a good deed he is forced to leave and tries to go back until he meets an orphan girl (played by Paulette Goddard - Chaplin's then wife). They then go through through all sorts of crazy events, just to support themselves and buy a home.

It is very hard to hate this film. It's humorous, enjoyable and very heartwarming, all while maintaining a deep social message. Chaplin again proves he can take a depressing situation and still enlighten viewers from it. Chaplin, as usual, gives us a great performance, although Paulette Goddard does a great job also as the Tramp's sidekick.They share a special on-screen chemistry that has never been shared with Chaplin and his other female co-stars before.

The film also graces us with some of the cinema's most memorable moments such as the image of the Tramp caught in the gears of a machine, the part when the Tramp sings and his voice is heard (for the one and only time on screen), and the great ending in which the Tramp and the Orphan, beaten down by society, refuse to be defeated as they walk off into the sunset.

It is a very enjoyable film, from start to finish. The performances are superb and the jokes are hilarious. And once again, the Tramp assures audiences that even when times are hard, it always helps to "smile".