Review of The Great Dictator (1940) by Dan S — 22 May 2012
A disappointingly too silly take on an extremely serious subject (Hitler and the destruction of many Jews), concerning a crazed dictator (Charlie Chaplin), who is unaware that there is a Jewish barber (also Chaplin) who looks identical to him, and how the two unavoidably switch places at some point.
While the subject of war has been dealt with in a funny, smart manner before (Kubrick's 'Dr. Strangelove' remains the cream of the crop in that category), this film seems to be about 80 percent slapstick with 20 percent seriousness.
It is not a fair balance for a subject like this, although granted the slapstick is largely very, very funny. When it comes time for Chaplin's big speech, there has been too much funny business going on beforehand that it in turn undermines the film's most important point.
A better balance of humor and compassion, as well as a heavier dose of anger at these events going on at these times would have made this a defining, legendary film. Instead, to me, it is an occasional funny but overall frustrating one that never lives up to its reputation as a great one.
This review of The Great Dictator (1940) was written by Dan S on 22 May 2012.
The Great Dictator has generally received very positive reviews.
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