Charlie Chaplin’s Modern times



Charlie Chaplin’s Modern times

The first shot of the film shows a huge clock on which the seconds hand moves inexorably toward the top of the hour. The symbolism is clear: People live under the tyranny of mechanically measured time--the dictatorship of the clock. "Time is money,” after all, and people are supposed to hurry. They strain to keep up with their schedules and deadlines, and with crowds of people on the move.

Active listening : While watching the movie, your task is :

1. Although a comedy, Chaplin’s “Modern times” is filled with symbolism. Take note of all the symbols that you can identify.

2. What three or four sequences are most important in the film? Why?

3. Is there anything different in the acting between a “voiceless” film like Modern Times and a movie with sound ?

4. Prepare your overall impression of the film in terms of :

- Camera work

- Acting

- Story flow

- Artistic approach

- Social criticism

- Elements that strike you as being unique or different

- Type of genre

Good online reference of the symbolism of Modern Times:

FINAL TASK : Using the information from the synopsis, historical background, and the information from your active listening (this sheet), you will produce a 2 to 3 minute narrative movie critic of Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times (refer to class on creating movie).

Notes:

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