I recently sat down and saw "Modern Times" and "City Lights", both being generally considered as Chaplin's best silent films. Now, I've been putting this off for awhile for reasons I myself do not even know. Maybe I was scared that they wouldn't be all that good. It seems as though every critic on the face of the earth praise these movies without even thinking about it. The thing is, they are that good. Now, for those of you wondering "why?" I'll tell you why.
First of all, they're hilarious, period. Some people claiming to be academics or maybe people considering themselves especially intelligent might frown and think it below them to watch a guy that stumbles around, well, fuck you. It is funny, it is just that the art of slap-stick has been sorely forgotten and abused over the years. Watching Chaplin is watching the master at work. Just observe his movements and the expressiveness of his face, it truly boggles the mind.
Secondly, Chaplin has a large heart and wasn't afraid to be sentimental. This might also be something some people might frown about, fuck them as well. I do not hold anything against sentimentality if it is done for the right reasons. Charlie did it for the right reason, which is plain to see.
Thirdly, and finally, these are intelligent movies and you should go see them as soon as you can (if you haven't already).
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