Sunday, November 18, 2012

Movie Notes: The Gold Rush

The Gold Rush (1925)
Director: Charles Chaplin

This is a sparklingly funny, charmingly sweet film, and an absolute classic.  It's silent, of course, and watching it requires an open-mindedness to a different film language than the one to which we're accustomed to.

Still, I can't imagine anyone being disappointed by such a simple movie.  I laughed harder watching this movie the first time I ever saw it than I've ever laughed watching any other movie since.  Libby and I watched it again last weekend, and though we didn't laugh as much, we still had a good time.

One thing about Chaplin is the breadth of humanity displayed on screen through every little detail and nuance of his performance.  It's funny the way the tramp walks, charming the way he expresses so plainly his deeply felt insecurities, and genius the way that he represents us all by portraying this likable loser.

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