The Circus (1928) -
This film surprised me, because of all the Charlie Chaplin films and all the greatest films to watch lists, it didn't appear on any, but I actually found that it was more enjoyable and better put together than 'The Kid' (1921) which was on a few of those lists.
It further surprised me, because I can't stand circuses and find clowns to be an absolute bore, but Chuck somehow seemed to even make his dealings with them funny too. Although their standard antics were still boring until "The Tramp" got mixed up in them.
Although in my review for 'The Kid' I stated that Buster Keaton will always be my silent Hero, and I stand by that, Mr Chaplin is definitely becoming a favourite too.
There was just something marvellously charming about The Tramp character and the way that the Producer, Director & Writer (All Charles) found ways for him to bring joy in the simplest of ways. He had an endearing quality that was hard to deny. I loved his odd little mannerisms and nuances, the way he cared about the dust on his hat for instance, despite essentially being a scruffy little man. The little moments added to it all and in some ways were what made the film stand out for those extra finesses. And his little walk was adorable.
The story of his employment at a circus and a rise to fame, whilst falling in love, was filled with a simple and innocent humour, but still worthy of a titter even in 2024. I almost wondered if it might be time to bring back the silent movie, as a way of rebooting the cinematic experience again, because it managed to tell the story without needing language, so everyone could enjoy it and understand what was going on and that in itself was an art form.
At times I definitely felt as if I was watching an early Warner Brothers cartoon, with shenanigans thst could be likened to Bugs Bunny or Daffy Duck. There are probably very few people who can honestly say that they haven't enjoyed those animated shorts, so I firmly believe that this was a film for everybody, even 100 years later.
769.79/1000.
This film surprised me, because of all the Charlie Chaplin films and all the greatest films to watch lists, it didn't appear on any, but I actually found that it was more enjoyable and better put together than 'The Kid' (1921) which was on a few of those lists.
It further surprised me, because I can't stand circuses and find clowns to be an absolute bore, but Chuck somehow seemed to even make his dealings with them funny too. Although their standard antics were still boring until "The Tramp" got mixed up in them.
Although in my review for 'The Kid' I stated that Buster Keaton will always be my silent Hero, and I stand by that, Mr Chaplin is definitely becoming a favourite too.
There was just something marvellously charming about The Tramp character and the way that the Producer, Director & Writer (All Charles) found ways for him to bring joy in the simplest of ways. He had an endearing quality that was hard to deny. I loved his odd little mannerisms and nuances, the way he cared about the dust on his hat for instance, despite essentially being a scruffy little man. The little moments added to it all and in some ways were what made the film stand out for those extra finesses. And his little walk was adorable.
The story of his employment at a circus and a rise to fame, whilst falling in love, was filled with a simple and innocent humour, but still worthy of a titter even in 2024. I almost wondered if it might be time to bring back the silent movie, as a way of rebooting the cinematic experience again, because it managed to tell the story without needing language, so everyone could enjoy it and understand what was going on and that in itself was an art form.
At times I definitely felt as if I was watching an early Warner Brothers cartoon, with shenanigans thst could be likened to Bugs Bunny or Daffy Duck. There are probably very few people who can honestly say that they haven't enjoyed those animated shorts, so I firmly believe that this was a film for everybody, even 100 years later.
769.79/1000.