Charlie Chaplin

 Charlie Chaplin



The Kid (1921)














RANKED:

8. The Circus (1928)


Charlie Chaplin takes it back to his roots in the 1928 silent comedy, "The Circus." Chaplin's 'Tramp' joins a circus and becomes the star performer, as he maneuvers through various dangerous situations like tightrope walking and occupying a lion's cage. With "The Circus," Chaplin demonstrates the machinations of show business while also providing us with laughter, drama, and heartache.




7. The Kid (1921)


In Charlie Chaplin's first feature length film, "The Kid," we see his lovable tramp stuck with a kid to raise as his own. The film is a condeming depiction of impovrished living. What made the film such a success was the perfect blend of comedy and dark drama, allowing for the viewer to both laugh and cry simultaneously. 



6. Monsieur Verdoux (1947)


After World War II, Charlie Chaplin made yet another dramatic comedy, this time delving into the psyche of a serial killer. Many films at the time dealth with the nature of morality, and "Monsieur Verdoux" was no different. The titular serial killer is not a sinister man as he is only doing what he must to get by. This presents an interesting look at the economic landscape, as Verdoux is merely trying to fit into the structure to suvive. Our protagonist has merely accepted the utter corruption of the world around him, and corrupts himself in order to fit in.




5. The Great Dictator (1940)


Charlie Chaplin's 1940 classic "The Great Dictator" pokes fun at the power hungry leader of Germany, Adolf Hitler. The film allows the viewer to watch not only the bafoonish egomania of Germany's leader, but also the harsh conditions the Jewish community was facing in the country as well. Chaplin's closing speech in the film is regarded as one of the best speeches in film history, calling for humanity in the face of growing violence and fear.




4. Limelight (1952)


In the twilight of his career, Charlie Chaplin made a film about...well...the twilight of one's career. In 1952's "Limelight," Chaplin mirrors the protagonist, whose work as a vaudeville clown has fallen out of favor with the public (who no longer cares about vaudeville). This film is perhaps Chaplin's most personal work, as he muses on the nature of entertainment, philosophy, and the purpose of life itself.




3. City Lights (1931)


In this Depression-era silent comedy, "City Lights," Charlie Chaplin's 'Tramp' tries to make enough money to woo a blind girl. In order to aquire money, he leaches off a suicidal rich man and even goes into the boxing ring. However, the task of aquiring money in an economically depressed system proves unreachable. "City Lights" provides us a glimpse into the woes of climbing the economic ladder, especially for those who are at the very bottom.




2. The Gold Rush (1925)


The economic boom of the 1920s brought about a greater separation of the classes. Charlie Chaplin's "The Gold Rush" questions the ramifications of this newfound social environment, especially those trapped at the bottom. Chaplin's 'The Tramp' faces starvation, homelessness, and ridicule. This comedy presents a hilarious look at a devestating truth about the American dream.




1. Modern Times (1936)


In Charlie Chaplin's last (mostly) silent film, "Modern Times," we find the 'Tramp' trying to make it in the new industrial world. Throughout the film, he repeatedly cycles through being a laborer, being homeless, and being in prison. Throughout this endless cycle, it becomes apparent that the new industrial capitalist structure has turned human beings into gears of a machine, stripping them of their human essence. This also dually presents a commentary of film itself, as the advent of talking pictures had turned filmmaking into a souless machine, turning out hollow representations of the film artform. "Modern Times" presents a damning look at the nature of industry, and being trapped under its ever growing weight.

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