"Modern Times" is Charlie Chaplin's last silent film. It is my favorite of his movies, at least of those that I've seen. It has several outstanding sets, and a great score. There are also many clever gags, and the Tramp character is, as always, both funny and affecting, often at the same time.
"Modern Times" begins with the Tramp working in a factory. Repetitive motion causes a nervous breakdown. He loses his job, and ends up in jail. Released for good behavior, he befriends an equally poor but spirited young woman (Paulette Goddard). They dream of a better life, but their actual efforts just seem to get them in and out of trouble.
The sets for this film are superb. The factory
has a conveyer belt assembly line, leading to a
marvelous conglomerate of gears and levers.
Chaplin, and later another employee, get stuck in
this immense set to great effect. Another
wonderful contraption is an automatic feeding
device that the Tramp is strapped to, and when
this device malfunctions it is the funniest part
of the film. A dilapidated old house, and various
levels of a department store also make great sets.
One problem that most silent films have is that
the original score has been lost or replaced, if
it ever existed. Since "Modern Times" is the last
significant silent, falling well inside the sound
era, the soundtrack has been preserved, and the
score (by Chaplin and Alfred Newman) is much
better than anything John Williams has ever
composed.
Goddard has a lot of energy, and makes an
appealing sidekick for Chaplin's Tramp character.
No wonder she also starred in his next film, "The
Great Dictator". Surprisingly, "Modern Times"
was not nominated for any Academy Awards. Perhaps
the Academy was annoyed because it was a silent
picture. (92/100)
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