In class we discussed the history of the phenomenal funny man Charlie Chaplin, he was a famous silent film comedian, before there were talkies Chaplain’s film of work relied on physical gags and mechanical motion. His comedy skits defined his character, he used comedy to make a point, he soon began to direct segments himself. Chaplain’s most famous character that he portrayed was The Tramp; his tramp character was used to examine social issues. The tramp represented the little guy , outsider and underdog; who seeks for acceptability, love, respect and money. The tramp character also has a kind and generous heart. Charles’s tramp character was displayed exquisitely in The Gold Rush, he represented every quality that the tramp entailed. He showed these qualities quit well when it came to love interest Georgia. I felt very complied to Chaplain’s tramp character, and the discussions in class before watching The Gold Rush made me appreciate Charlie Chaplain as a comedic artist even more.
2. Find a related article and summarize the content
<a href="http://movielistmania.blogspot.com/2012/03/classic-movie-review-charlie-chaplins_28.html"></a>
My article was a movie review based on the 1925 version of The Gold Rush. The article first goes into the mind of how someone would feel , someone as myself especially when it comes to watching a silent film. The reviewer describes how watching a silent film, takes a great deal of mental focus, and how you have to have a commitment to watching the movie ,and not get bored watching it after an hour; it definitely reminded me of myself ,and how I viewed silent films at first. The film reviewer then goes on with the review by talking about, how the screen play was inspired by stories of the hard times that the men had to go threw , when trying to strike gold in the Alaskan Gold Rush, as well as the story of the Donner Party; who got stranded in the Rockies one winter, and had to resort to Cannibalism at the end. Chaplin used that incident and turned it into a comedy scene in The Gold Rush, when Big Jim and Chaplin had a Thanksgiving meal out of Chaplain’s leather shoe.
The review continues with Chaplin and his where a bout’s bringing him first to the wanted criminal Black Larsen's cabin. Then continuing Chaplain’s travels to bring him to the town, where he meets and falls in love with leading lady Georgia. The movie reviewer talks about how Chaplain and Georgia's beginning relationship, was like the nerd and the pretty girl. He describes the scene when Chaplain thinks Georgia is giving him the eye, but she's actually looking at the more handsome man standing behind him. The movie reviewer goes on with the trails and tribulations that the tramp and Georgia go threw. Especially when Chaplin works his tail off to pay for a elegantly made New Years Eve dinner; he even buys small gifts for Georgia and her girlfriends.
This generous juster soon turns into an unfortunate event when Georgia and her girlfriends never show up , when Chaplain leaves his home to go into town ; Georgia her girlfriends and Georgia's lover go into Chaplain’s home to make fun of him, when entering the tramps home they are shocked to see how wonderfully decorated the house is, and how much effort Chaplin put into his home to make it look nice for Georgia and her girlfriends. Georgia soon starts to feel bad. Like the reviewer I had no sympathy for Georgia and her cruel ways. The author ends the film review with his take on The Gold Rush not being as sophisticated as City lights a well crafted film that was made six years later, and not as well created as the kid, Chaplain’s first featured film, but how he did enjoy the wonderful effects, especially the tipping of the cabin scene, where Big Jim and Chaplain must escape the tipping cabin before it falls of a cliff.
3. Apply the article to the film screened in class . How did the article change the way you thought about the film, director, content,etc?
The article hit the nail on the head , In my opinion the article was summarized quit well and was very detailed. The scene's he described from the movie, were explained perfectly, it didn't give to much information, but it didn't give to little information either. I found it interesting that Chaplain did do his homework and used The Gold Rush screenplay from inspired stories; he made sure that not only was the movie comical , but had a touch of history in it as well. What I found especially interesting was how Chaplain used the Donner party story as one of the scene's from the movie, but of course he had to do it Charlie Chaplain style adding sympathy but comical relief to this hardship scene. He made sure the audience got the jest of what was going on. Yes himself and big Jim were extremely hungry, but if the only thing left to eat was a shoe that's what they were going to eat . That scene and the New Years Eve scene were described tremendously well by the movie reviewer. It took me back to watching the film and soon had me picturing the scene in my head. The article was an enjoyable read .
4. Write a critical analysis on the film
After watching The Gold Rush my once feelings for silent films, soon changed ;once thought as boring and non entertaining , I soon became intrigued and entertained. I found The Gold Rush to be quit delightful it had everything a good silent film should have, comedy, empathy ,sadness and a happy ending. The story line was easy to follow, and to be a movie made in 1925 the effects were pretty good. I felt Chaplain took his time with this film; and had every scene played out perfectly; he had my attention from the beginning to the end. I must say I think I'm becoming a Charlie Chaplain Fan .
