Whilst the target for this may have changed, the sentiment remains as relevant today as it did 70 years ago.

Astoundingly captivating from Chaplin. This was his first talkie. Wow.

Charlie Chaplin was an incredible filmmaker. Acted, wrote, directed, produced, and composed. And, unlike Robert Rodriguez, he was good at it.

This speech is still my favorite speech of all time. Absolutely love it.

Dan

Brilliant.  And people think Chaplin was just a prat falling comedian.

He was said to be desperate to know what Hitler thought of this speech. Would certainly have been interesting to know what he'd made of it.

Quoted from Andrew He was said to be desperate to know what Hitler thought of this speech. Would certainly have been interesting to know what he'd made of it.

Someone should make a video of this using Downfall.

This is one of the most incredible photographs ever taken.



Slowly, I'm starting to work my way through his filmography. For so long, I just thought The Tramp was all there was to Charlie Chaplin. Then, I realized that The Tramp was a pretty impressive vehicle for phenomenal storytelling. Lately, though, I've been more interested in checking out his post-Tramp work like Monsieur Verdoux, Limelight, and King of New York. Haven't seen Limelight or King entirely, but Verdoux was pretty decent.

Modern Times is an incredible movie, if for nothing else, the scene in the department store where Charlie's rollerskating backwards. That's something movies don't do anymore: visual, physical spectacles. The same shot goes on for several minutes and not once does he go over the edge of the set, stumble, or slip up. Today, that shot would last too long and be cut down so as to not throw off the pace of the movie or the energy. Ugh.

Quoted from DanBall That's something movies don't do anymore: visual, physical spectacles. The same shot goes on for several minutes and not once does he go over the edge of the set, stumble, or slip up. Today, that shot would last too long and be cut down so as to not throw off the pace of the movie or the energy. Ugh.

Well, there're always the martial arts films:



(Oldboy was too obvious)

But I know what you mean, and why it's not the same. I think the contemporary level of visual effects is responsible for this, not because these are actually seen-it-all times -- I think the moment you're talking about appears every bit as wondrous today -- but because people tend to think of these as seen-it-all times. And, yes, also because of modern "pacing".

Quoted from DanBall Someone should make a video of this using Downfall. This is one of the most incredible photographs ever taken. Slowly, I'm starting to work my way through his filmography. For so long, I just thought The Tramp was all there was to Charlie Chaplin. Then, I realized that The Tramp was a pretty impressive vehicle for phenomenal storytelling. Lately, though, I've been more interested in checking out his post-Tramp work like Monsieur Verdoux, Limelight, and King of New York. Haven't seen Limelight or King entirely, but Verdoux was pretty decent. Modern Times is an incredible movie, if for nothing else, the scene in the department store where Charlie's rollerskating backwards. That's something movies don't do anymore: visual, physical spectacles. The same shot goes on for several minutes and not once does he go over the edge of the set, stumble, or slip up. Today, that shot would last too long and be cut down so as to not throw off the pace of the movie or the energy. Ugh.

That is a great shot. Never seen it before. Chaplin was a huge talent and there's something very they-don't-make-'em-like-they-used-to about him. And yet a real timeless quality to him that should influence actors of today. That said, I have a lot of catching up to do with his back catalogue.

Chaplin's Oscar acceptance speech is very good as well.  For something a little different, I find Howard Beale's monologues in Network to be absolutely brilliant and still relevant.

Watched this a few times now but neglected to comment. I've never been a fan of Charlie Chaplin or "old Hollywood" even. In Chaplin's case, it'd be out of lack of familiarity of his work. Nevertheless, I found this to be quite touching, beautiful, and yes, still very relevant. Makes me want to see the film. This, despite my own occasionally nihilistic leanings and the current state of the world, which seems uglier than ever.

Thanks for posting.

Quoted from Shelton Chaplin's Oscar acceptance speech is very good as well.  For something a little different, I find Howard Beale's monologues in Network to be absolutely brilliant and still relevant.

Great shout, Mike. I love Network. Wonderful film.

Here's a sample of its greatness:

There's a great version of this speech accompanied by music from a band called Maybeshewill that's worth seeking out.



The writing here is beyond great, and the performance is beyond words.



And this... wow, this is just wonderful. "And you will... ATONE". "Am I getting through to you, Mr. Beale?"



There's no wonder that Mr. Sorkin dedicated his work to this film in his Oscar speech.

And talking of Sorks...



What writing, and performance, in all cases. Inspiring.

Great post, Andrew.

Beale's speeches are among my favourite scenes of all time.

What glorious rants!

That movie is firs sounded movie of charlie chaplin.  It's amazing how he predicted outcome of war.