Directed by Charles Chaplin
Produced by Charles Chaplin
Written by Charles Chaplin
Starring Charles Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Jack Oakie and Reginald Gardiner
Plot Summary: Due to similar appearance, a Jewish barber (Chaplin) accidentally replaces Dictator Adenoid Hynkel (Chaplin).
Significance: Often considered one of Chaplin's greatest, this film was featured in the latest Sight and Sound Poll (#144 in 2012 critics' poll and #174 in the directors' one). When it was originally released, this satire of Hitler received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor. It is now in the National Film Preservation Board's Film Registry.
Thoughts: Chaplin has most of a great film here. It's a funny political satire that, unfortunately, overstays its welcome. At 125 minutes, the film actually feels too long, with a rushed ending to complicate matters. Of course, Chaplin's screenplay provides many wonderful comic moments, including scenes with the barber's love interest (Goddard) and the dictator's ally (Oakie). The physical comedy works, and the performances are fine. Still, it feels a bit too indulgent, and the ending comes off a lazy one-off. More often than not, Chaplin made masterful films (see City Lights, Modern Times or The Kid), but this is a slight step down from those works. Overall, the film does work, and it is worthy of its essential status, especially for Chaplin fans.
Rating: ***1/2
This is the eighth film in my 2013 Blind Spot Series, as first started by Ryan McNeil.
I watched this film last year as I hope to do more Chaplin maybe later this year or next year as I know what I'm going to watch next month while I plan to do some horror for October.
ReplyDeleteSo far, this is my third favorite Chaplin film that I've seen with Modern Times in first and City Lights in second. Still, it's an amazing achievement as I love that food fight scene.
I love the food fight scene as well. Modern Times and City Lights are also my favorite Chaplin films, except I think City Lights is better.
DeleteThe thing that I will always point to as a measure of this film's achievement is something outside of the screen:
ReplyDeleteNote the release date.
Chaplin made this film skewering some of the world's most powerful and dangerous men at the height of their power. That, my friend, takes brass ones.
You're right to point out that it feels a bit messier than titles like MODERN TIMES and CITY LIGHTS, but part of me wonders if that's a side effect of Chaplin finally working in sound and facing bumps he never had to face before?
Regardless, certainly glad to see that you liked-not-loved it, and as I mentioned on my space, I'm wearing a smile that we both went with Chaplin films this month.
Oh, I agree on that point. Chaplin had guts to make this film when he did.
DeleteThat's a good point. The transition might've thrown him.
There are so many silent films I've missed out on. This is one I'm curious to see. Too bad it overstayed its welcome, but sounds like it's still worth seeing.
ReplyDeleteIf it helps, this isn't a silent film. ;) It was Chaplin's first all-sound film. Despite some minor issues, I really enjoyed it. Hope you get to see it.
DeleteThis is one of those movies I've been wanting to see for years. Excellent, balanced review!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I'd love to hear what you think of it.
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