Review of Monsieur Verdoux (1947) by Mark S — 02 Mar 2009
In a proper democracy this film would have been a hit. America was entering a troubling period when this was first released, and Charlie Chaplin became one of its early casualties. Boycotts and harsh press treatment saw the film become a flop in his adopted home country, and along with several other 'controversies' relating to his political sympathies ultimately led to him leaving the U.
S. to live in Switzerland. The 'comedy of murders', based on an idea by Orson Welles, is an entertaining and thought-provoking black comedy. The character of Monsieur Verdoux is an interesting one, as he is funny and endearing yet still quite disturbing.
With him Chaplin showed he was more than The Little Tramp, and could portray darker qualities of the human condition. Dialogue such as, "It's all business. One murder makes a villain. Millions, a hero.
Numbers sanctify..." was never going to do down well at the time but his comments were pertinent and in a more enlightened time the film went on to gain the respect it deserved.
This review of Monsieur Verdoux (1947) was written by Mark S on 02 Mar 2009.
Monsieur Verdoux has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
