Film Review: Modern Times By Charlie Chaplin

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Film review Submission date: 13th August’2014 Assignment: Read the article on modernity by Bilton et al and write the review of the movie, "Modern Times" by Charlie Chaplin using the article. The aim here is to understand the idea of modernity Submitted to: Mrs. Sai Thakur Submitted By: Ahsaas Verma Review: Modern Times Modernity: A term designed to encapsulate the distinctiveness, complexity and dynamism of social processes unleashed during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, which mark a break from traditional ways of living. Such an intricate definition is so unpretentiously elucidated in the movie, The Modern Times! The flick, is, “A story of Industry, of Individual enterprise- humanity crusading in the pursuit of happiness!” …show more content…

The method of Assembly Line Production or Fordism was first examined by Huw Beynon in 1973. He equates the personnel working in the Ford factory to machines and robots, considering their work timings and pressure. He quotes, “Nobody likes to think that they’re a failure. It’s bad when you know you’re just a cog.” Modern Times, a film written and directed by Charlie Chaplin was set during the Great Depression (1936). It is a satire on how “Modernity”, “Industry”, and even “society” hamper with the very basic emotions shared by humans like love, kindness and generosity. The story revolves around all the mayhems an Industrial; modern mortal faces. As if struggle has become the very basic necessity along with food, cloth and shelter. Contrary to the pessimistic outlook, the story also gives a very resilient opposing opinion. Indicating towards the law and order, that are strictly followed, like the arrival of the police portal on time during the protest. Also, the inspection of the police station by the minister and his wife, in order to penalise convict in case of drug smuggling and also reward Charlie for his bravery are great examples of building up of a strong Nation-State, as under the state government. It is due to the same key influence of

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