Am a big fan of Charlie Chaplin, have been for over a decade now. Many films and shorts of his are very good to masterpiece, and like many others consider him a comedy genius and one of film's most important and influential directors.
From his period after Mutual, 'The Bond' is among the lesser ones for me of his early output, though it is interesting as a historical and curiosity piece. As said with many of his post-Keystone efforts, it shows a noticeable step up in quality though from his Keystone period, where he was still evolving and in the infancy of his long career. The Essanay and Mutual periods were something of Chaplin's adolescence period where his style had been found and starting to settle. After Mutual the style had properly settled and the cinematic genius emerged. Something that has been illustrated much better than in 'The Bond'.
The story is slight and slightly too simple and is also at times too busy and manic. It also feels on the short side and Chaplin's style is not as distinctive as in a lot of his other work.
What makes 'The Bond' a historical and curiosity piece is the advertising and propaganda element. It's intriguing certainly, if rather heavy-handed.
On the other hand, 'The Bond' looks good, not amazing (though the opening shot for early Chaplin is remarkable) but it was obvious that Chaplin was taking more time with his work and not churning out countless shorts in the same year of very variable success like he did with Keystone. Appreciate the importance of his Keystone period and there is some good stuff he did there, but the more mature and careful quality seen here and later on is obvious.
'The Bond' is successful generally in its content. It has some very funny moments, although it doesn't always feel Chaplin-esque and the charm doesn't get over-sentimental. It moves quickly and there is no dullness in sight.
Chaplin directs more than competently. He also, as usual, gives a playful and expressive performance and at clear ease with the physicality and substance of the role.
Overall, interesting but mainly a curio. 6/10 Bethany Cox
From his period after Mutual, 'The Bond' is among the lesser ones for me of his early output, though it is interesting as a historical and curiosity piece. As said with many of his post-Keystone efforts, it shows a noticeable step up in quality though from his Keystone period, where he was still evolving and in the infancy of his long career. The Essanay and Mutual periods were something of Chaplin's adolescence period where his style had been found and starting to settle. After Mutual the style had properly settled and the cinematic genius emerged. Something that has been illustrated much better than in 'The Bond'.
The story is slight and slightly too simple and is also at times too busy and manic. It also feels on the short side and Chaplin's style is not as distinctive as in a lot of his other work.
What makes 'The Bond' a historical and curiosity piece is the advertising and propaganda element. It's intriguing certainly, if rather heavy-handed.
On the other hand, 'The Bond' looks good, not amazing (though the opening shot for early Chaplin is remarkable) but it was obvious that Chaplin was taking more time with his work and not churning out countless shorts in the same year of very variable success like he did with Keystone. Appreciate the importance of his Keystone period and there is some good stuff he did there, but the more mature and careful quality seen here and later on is obvious.
'The Bond' is successful generally in its content. It has some very funny moments, although it doesn't always feel Chaplin-esque and the charm doesn't get over-sentimental. It moves quickly and there is no dullness in sight.
Chaplin directs more than competently. He also, as usual, gives a playful and expressive performance and at clear ease with the physicality and substance of the role.
Overall, interesting but mainly a curio. 6/10 Bethany Cox