Film Task from School - Silent Films

Silent films have been in the spotlight this year, as a result of the new film "The Artist." Since I had never seen a silent film, I checked out several silent films to watch. My ultimate choice was a classic Chaplin film, "City Lights." The requirements of the task was to explain how the actions of the main character's movements maintain a comedic element in the film. Have a read for yourself...

                                                                         "City Lights"

   “City Lights” starring Charlie Chaplin is an excellent example of how a person can communicate without using words. Chaplin’s character is a country bumpkin that has made it to the big city. He doesn’t understand manners or proper protocol in public. His naiveté only makes his efforts to be civilized and proper all the more comedic. 

   In the opening sequence, we see that a group of city officials are about to unveil a large monument as a gift to the city’s citizens. When the sheet is pulled off, there is Chaplin, sleeping away in the lap of one of the statutes. Chaplin struggles to get off the statue, after being commanded to come down. However, he seems to get caught on every possible snag, even end up with a sword through the back of his pants. His movements are so well choreographed, it is almost as if he is dancing.

   Another scene that is most humorous is the scene where the millionaire is trying to commit suicide by drowning. Chaplin happens upon him quite by accident, and is determined not to allow the man to end his life. Chaplin appears very clumsy and unable to keep his balance at the most critical moments. He ends up falling into the water several times, once even with the noose about HIS neck. Once he is finally successful in turning the millionaire’s attention away from committing suicide, they walk off to the millionaire’s house together, Chaplin taking the stairs one at a time in a halting manner.

   When the millionaire takes Chaplin to the restaurant that is when the fun really starts. Chaplin has apparently never been in a restaurant. He tries to light his cigar several times, but always manages to light his friend’s cigar instead, never getting the opportunity to smoke himself. Chaplin and his friend are seated at a table on what appears to be an ice floor, so it is very slick. Upon walking in, Chaplin falls straight down. When he is served his pasta, a celebration is occurring with paper streamers all about. Chaplin accidentally starts to eat one, simply believing it to be one long strand of pasta.

   Charlie Chaplin is able to capture the comedy or drama of a scene with equal measure in his acting and display it to his audience with aplomb. Silent films draw attention to what all other films do not – the motion of the actor. The audience must focus on the nuance of the actor’s body and facial expression to understand the interaction they are viewing.

I hope my little blurb for silent films will encourage you to see a silent film, as well. If you do or you have a favorite silent film, I'd love to hear about it. :)