In class we discussed how Charlie Chaplin starred in this hysterical silent film released in 1925. This film took over a year to make and was different from most slapstick comedies in the respect that it dealt with social issues as well as getting the audience to laugh. Gags were the main characteristic of Chaplin. All the gimmicks must have taken a lot of time to plan out, practice, and film with as few mistakes as possible. The transition of the tramp into the chicken has been spoofed numerous times by cartoons such as Bugs Bunny with daffy duck. An example in the film when the gun was being fought over and no matter where the tramp went to the gun always pointed at him.
It began with the tramp coming to Alaska, then to the cabin with the criminal and the man who couldn’t remember where he found gold, then to the dance hall where the tramp meets Georgia, to New Years Eve, back a new cabin, and ending with the journey home. That was the circular structure to the movie that we talked about in class.
The article goes to say how the theater was packed for the midnight showing and a standing ovation was awarded to Chaplin shortly after 2am. The article also talks about he touched many areas of life and he made drama meet with comedy. It also states how every scene reached maximum effect.
This was the first silent film I have ever watched and hopefully the last. Im sure in the time of making it was a great film. But after seeing what can be done with films now due to technology I couldn’t imagine watching movies as such. However I take no credit away from Chaplin. His ideas were genius and he deserves more credit than he received. I understand why the film has been shown in classes for years and I don’t discourage teachers to show this film.
