Review of The Great Dictator (1940) by Gavin P — 07 Aug 2015
A truly classic film, which is also full of class. Genuinely funny in lots of parts throughout, Chaplin plays a Tramp-ish barber (who also happens to be an amnesiac returned WWI soldier), as well as Hynkel, the Dictator of Tomania - a thinly-veiled portrayal of Hitler, the Dictator of Nazi Germany.
He plays both parts expertly, with just enough pratfalls too be funny, but not too much to be ridiculous or over-the-top. Surely Chaplin's longest film, it doesn't get boring, as there's plenty to cover as the barber & his Jewish friends get pulled into Hynkel's war.
Very insightful and poignant and the end, with Chaplin's final soliloquy both true and heartfelt.
This review of The Great Dictator (1940) was written by Gavin P on 07 Aug 2015.
The Great Dictator has generally received very positive reviews.
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