Review of Modern Times (1936) by John D — 27 Jul 2008

Chaplin's take on the horrors of hyper-capitalism and mechanical modernity is at times engaging, while never forgetting its comedic impulse. One of Chaplin's more endearing, less indulgent gifts was the abillity to make idiots of others by ending up with the cream pie on his own face.

Here, he manages the task with a greater sophistication than is present in most of his overrated throwaway work. Boosted by a plethora of classic set pieces, Modern Times is an ideal precursor for the much darker political statements he would shortly engage in.