A critique of Modern Times
Charles Chaplin was an icon during the early part of the twentieth century, and even years after his death still revered by many as a comical genius. Yet, on reflection, few will know the man behind the tramp. The man who chose making people laugh as his quest in life, also delicately brought serious social and political issues to the attention of his audiences. The film which this paper critiques, "Modern Times" (1936), is on one hand an exuberant comedy, especially to viewers unaware of the severe reality of America during the age within which the film is set. Yet, on the other hand, the satirical aim of "Modern Times" was to present a political statement which many perceived in its day to be an abrasive attack on capitalism. This film, with all its slap-stick humor, in fact, is a very sensitive, serious political statement. This, although at the time denied to the press, was not as obvious as later works by Chaplin, such as his next film, the "Great Dictator", which was an unconcealed reflection of his own views on the political situation during 1939. Originally titled "The Masses", "Modern Times" has prompted the head of the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) J. Edger Hoover, to open a file on Charlie Chaplin and his aff
Film was a very important media during the Great Depression as it offered hope to the people, and this is just what Chaplin wanted to do, give people hope and make them smile during a time of such, as titled, Great Depression. Willing to help, Chaplin picks up the flag and waves it to gain the attention of the truck driver. The final scene of the film is different from Chaplin's early works; he is seen walking into the distance, not alone as normal, but holding the hand of his girlfriend. The accuracy in reality to this testimony against employment conditions for proletarian workers leading to, and throughout the Great Depression, although slightly exaggerated due to the satirical nature of the cinematography, is a good metaphorical take. This is a symbolic depiction of how workers were constantly monitored for performance. The subsequent loss of employment from his position due to mental illness, lack of knowledge of required skills leading to unemployment, being fired after interaction with previous co-workers who had turned to crime, and then finally, holding a position he was apt at, leaving employment due to the legal status of his girlfriend. First testament to pervasive use of metaphor, the opening scene, is that of sheep being herded through a narrow entrance into an enclosure. The color of the flag which Chaplin's character had picked up was identifiable as association with the Communist Party. While in jail, after a brief encounter with tough inmates and the use of narcotics, Chaplin, finds himself enjoying prison life. This would continue until both the election of a new president, who drastically changed the government's direction in order to assist the country, and the commencement of the Second World War. This lead to oppression on workers as they were in no position to ask for extra benefits or wage increases, leading to an early indication of the depression that was to come on an individual level. After the funeral of the two workers who were killed, the unions went on general strike, bringing the entire city of San Francisco to a complete halt. Once more, a symbolic gesture to the viewer of the time stating that we can make it through this together. During a strike by the longshoremen of the Bay Area in San Francisco due to communication breakdowns with the shipping companies, the San Francisco police attacked viciously the workers, killing two men and injuring many more. After lunch, the head of the company, once more, requests that production be increased to the maximum limit.
Common topics in this essay:
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Depression Leading,
World War,
San Francisco,
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Communist Party,
Charles Chaplin,
Herbert Hoover,
STRIKES RIOTS,
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stock market crash,
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proletarian workers,
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Acceptance Essays
