Charlie Chaplin Sound Analysis

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What do you consider to be the strengths and weaknesses in the use of sound in Modern Times? In 1927 the world had first debuted the first ever-sound movie, The Jazz Singer, however, just over a decade later in 1937, the infamous Charlie Chaplin still continued to create silent film as we can see in Modern Times (1936). In this essay I will discuss the advantages and weaknesses of Chaplin’s decision of not using sound besides music and sound effects. In particular I will discuss how he used these decisions to his benefit. Modern times was a risk to be taken for Chaplin as Sound film had started just a decade before it was released, yet as “ the most famous man in the world” and with his success all thanks to the silent era, Chaplin thought …show more content…

There is a part of the film where Chaplin adds a sound effect of bones cracking to the music score. This adds humour as the sound effects adds emphasis to the characters action on screen, and also creates laughter with the audience as he successfully syncs the noise with the screen. So the use of sound effects became an advantage to Chaplin. Sound effects would help him in the creation of his comedy. They would help his scenes add more humour and allow him to experiment. There is also a scene where he uses sound effects for humour also. The scene where he is sat next to a socially accepted and respected lady, the minister’s wife, drinking coffee. As she drinks the coffee her stomach starts to rumble. The little tramp also does the same and his stomach starts rumbling too. This scene shows a great example of Chaplin’s own sound effects he created. He would record himself blowing bubbles through a straw in a glass. This sound effect created the uncomfortable gargling noises of their stomachs, adding extra humour to the acting of the scene as we watch the dog get frightened. Chaplin turns on the radio next to him and we hear a somewhat advert for stomach pains. His reactions and facial expressions alongside the sound effects create a blissful humour. Thus, another great example of why sound effects had become to an advantage for Chaplin in Modern

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