Review of Modern Times (1936) by Mackenzie S — 06 Sep 2008

This is Chaplin's masterpiece that criticizes the social reforms of the the 1930s that are the result of the industrial revolution. This film was made in 1936, when silent films were not longer being made like they were only a few years earier.

Now talkies were being made in entirety. However for five years, Chaplin held onto his beloved silents and made two silents during the talking era (these two silents are some of the greatest films of all time).

What was so fasinating about this film is the few uses of talking in this film. The boss of the factory's voice could be heard while talking on the telescreen. The information voice for the eating machine was heard.

This is a silent film, but uses sound at certain moments to put a stronger enphases on the criticized society.