Charlie Chaplin was, is and always will be one of the best authors of all times.
As ground-breaking this movie perhaps was and despite its flawless quality (camera, stage design, OST, resolution [~B/W pictures look fantastic in HQ!]) and despite its serious attempt to illustrate the alienation of humans by modern technique in a hyper-industrialized factory and the fate of the ordinary American worker (and the fate of [orphaned] women) of that time, I'm left a bit disappointed. It's supposed to be a comedy but I didn't laugh. Perhaps it was funnier back then or it's just not my cup of tea. This exaggerated silliness and Chaplin playing again that foolish simpleton (instead of a more regular person) kills the humor. It's an iconic movie for sure but I would probably not watch it twice. Paulette Goddard is amazing though. Plus, I'm fascinated by the interior and product presentation of that department store.
A biting critique of Fordism
A masterpiece by Chaplin, delicious cinematographic jewel... and very funny!
I love Modern Times! This film is provocative, funny, and charming. Charlie Chaplin is one of the greatest slapstick writers/directors/actors of all time. The nonsense song...brilliant!
This was my first Chaplin-movie and I liked it, but my biggest problem is that Modern Times isn't that funny. I think I chuckled once. I guess comedy was a bit different in the thirties, which isn't surprising. The rest of the movie is interesting and well made for the time. It took me a while to get used to, but the ending with the weird song and dance pulled me in.
For me, this is a perfect mix of all Chaplin does best: wonderful comic sequences combined with emotion that will absolutely wreck you. Here, it's often predicated on a meta-textual in-joke (that is heightened on this watch having just watched 100 pre-1936 movies in a row) that the modern, sound-based world is coming for the silent Tramp. I love the use of sound effects and dialogue, and how it contributes to a world that the Tramp can't understand or effectively navigate. It heightens the comedy, but it hits you like a gut punch by the end. Concludes with one of my all-time favorite final shots--just doesn't get better.
Don’t know what to say really.
It’s definitely not funny. Didn’t laugh once.
The coordination etc is impressive but the whole thing does drag on a bit.
Preferred City Light and Gold Rush.
It’s ok but there are way better silent films out there.
"We ain't burglars, we're hungry"
The rollerblading still holds up and is awesome to watch. Lots of funny bits that stand on their own, but they felt a bit disconnected from each other and the overall story of this film. Not my favorite Chaplin but still a great watch.
A CLASSIC. YOU MUST SEE ALL TILL “THE END”
"Smile! C'mon!"
I can't start any review without going all cuties on something, but today that's changed. This is one of the most beautiful and adorable things my eyes have ever laid eyes on. It leaves a warm feeling inside that can make anyones day. The personalty, charm, and a sense of innocence with are main characters.
With 'non-sense song' probably being the greatest pieces of gibberish to film. If you watch that the scene on repeat and watch his hand gestures, you get a story. That's just awe-inspiring.
Chaplin way of presenting slapstick comedy as an artistic form is something that's never been done before at the time and never again. Well, the way he did it. While known for being a perfection of his work, as every single frame is so brilliantly stage for either a joke or a dramatic shift; the execution that smoothly pushes the story along. Everything from facial expressions and music to set what kind of mood with each scenes. It's pure genius how this man can play with your emotions, not in a insulting way. All of his films still hold up and continue to amaze audience members today.
Yep, it's a masterpiece.
Themes, tone, impact 0.5
Acting and characters 0.5
Writing/story, direction / pacing 0.5
Aesthetic (sets, special effects, score) 1
Enjoyment 0.5
3/5
The first half is pretty much flawless for its time. It's been 80 years since the end of the Great Depression, but Chaplin's satire is still biting and relevant. However, things start to get a little monotonous after the protagonist gets out of jail. In particular, the rushed ending didn't have the emotional payoff I had hoped for.
How relevant this film still is now that robots are taking over most jobs :(
The scene with the boat is the absolute best!
Charlie Chaplin's last semi-silent picture, and his final appearance as the little tramp. It's also a not-so-subtle critique of the change in America's popular attitude during his professional heyday, decrying the abundance of automation in local factories while the great depression still raged in city streets. Despite the weighty deeper implications, it remains a genuinely charming set of skits and Chaplin is at his emotive, expressive best from curtain to curtain. The film gets bonus points for throwing its star into so many unique, visually spectacular situations, including what's probably his signature scene inside the belly of a giant, mechanical assembly line.
I was surprised by there being some dialogue but still Chaplin is great and he is so much fun.
A glow of a blue fragment.
Always think that I am an extra terrestrial and have to find me.
He has no empathy.
My toxic thoughts go faster than my happy thoughts.
Another pink fragment.
my knock
what an awesome metaphor. just watch the film, even no need to listen
A hilarious critique on the depriving mechanization of society while lending tribute to the people caught in its monstrous shadow.
"Smile! C'mon!"
I can't start any review without going all cuties on something, but today that's changed. This is one of the most beautiful and adorable things my eyes have ever laid eyes on. It leaves a warm feeling inside that can make anyones day. The personalty, charm, and a sense of innocence with are main characters.
With 'non-sense song' probably being the greatest pieces of gibberish to film. If you watch that the scene on repeat and watch his hand gestures, you get a story. That's just awe-inspiring.
Chaplin way of presenting slapstick comedy as an artistic form is something that's never been done before at the time and never again. Well, the way he did it. While known for being a perfection of his work, as every single frame is so brilliantly stage for either a joke or a dramatic shift; the execution that smoothly pushes the story along. Everything from facial expressions and music to set what kind of mood with each scenes. It's pure genius how this man can play with your emotions, not in a insulting way. All of his films still hold up and continue to amaze audience members today.
Yep, it's a masterpiece.
Shout by DeletedBlockedParent2013-07-13T19:30:05Z
This was my first Charlie Chaplin's film. I just had seen a few clips from many of his film but never saw one entirely. I should have started from the beggining but I don't know I just wanted to see this one.
This film isn't totally silent it has a few dialogues and sound effects moments. Chaplin written, directed and composed all of the music for this film. He did a great job in all!
This was the last appearance of The Tramp and his last silent film. In this The Tramp struggles to survive modern times, the industrial world and the Great Depression leading to a massive unemployment and poverty through those years. Due to that there are some political messages hidden during the film. But the most important message of all that this film wants to transmit is that we have to find a way to overcome the adversities of life and always "Smile", like the beautiful song he wrote and composed for this film says.
Overall this was very funny and entertaining, will never get age!
Charlie Chaplin was without any doubt was one of the great comedy actors ever.