Review of Modern Times (1936) by Stuart K — 17 Feb 2009
Charlie Chaplin's last silent film, after almost a decade since the talkies were first introduced. He decided to make a comment on the madness of the modern industrial methods of working that was sweeping the world when the world was still suffering the worst of the Great Depression.
It is still relevant today as it was back in 1936. It has Chaplin's Little Tramp as a Factory Worker, driven to madness by tightening bolts on a production line and being accused of leading a Communist demonstration, (which was all a misunderstanding).
He finds himself falling for a street waif (Paulette Goddard), whose father was killed during a strike. They decide to try and survive together in these uncertain times, taking whatever jobs come up, (working in a cafe, a night watchman at a department store.
) But, it would appear that society frowns upon our hero and heroine. This is a smart and insightful piece into work life of the 1930's, but it also contains some brilliant imagery, and some of Chaplin's funniest slapstick moments, (the rollerskating bit stands out), but even though it has a melancholy tone to it, hope always shines through.
Chaplin was like that, always believing in hope even in the toughest of situations.
This review of Modern Times (1936) was written by Stuart K on 17 Feb 2009.
Modern Times has generally received very positive reviews.
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