Modern Times

Charlie Chaplain’s “Modern Times” is humorous and yet it also addresses serious subjects such as work and living conditions during the Great Depression in America. Considering when it was made, it was a very “modern” movie as it addressed current conditions and issues, and depicted the average worker struggling to survive during extremely difficult times. One scene that stands out in my mind was at the beginning of the movie; sheep are being herded together, presumably to be sent to slaughter. This scene with the sheep is instantly juxtaposed with the image of factory workers jostling around on the subway. Placing these two scenes side by side effectively conveys the idea that factory workers in the 1930’s were treated no better than livestock; subjected to poor working conditions and low wages they too were being sent to slaughter. The scene with the “feeding machine” is a perfect example of the inhumane way factory workers were treated. As funny as it may be to see Chaplain’s character battered by the machine, the fact remains that the machine exists to allow him to work and eat at the same time, avoiding lags caused by lunch breaks and increasing productivity. He is being treated, not as a human, but as a part of the machine with which he works. The boss only cares about efficiency and monetary gain he does not pause to consider the feelings and needs of his workers; his attitude is a reflection of the times. Chaplain’s character eventually has a mental breakdown and is sent to the hospital. Almost immediately following his release he gets caught in the middle of a protest and finds himself in jail. He enjoys his time in jail because he is fed and sheltered; this is yet another social commentary. The people out working in the world are barely getting by while prison inmates enjoy a life of relative security.  Upon his release Chaplain’s character actually requests to remain in jail but is denied and sent off to find work. Back on his own he runs into, or is run into by, a young woman who has resorted to stealing to help save her family. Through a chain of events they end up running from the police together. The young woman and Chaplain’s characters represent different attitudes of the era. Chaplain’s character is defeated and seems to believe that there is no hope for a job or bright future until he meets the young woman. She is strong and refuses to give up. After a few failed attempts to find jobs, they find themselves working at the same restaurant where they both perform short song and dance acts, while Chaplain’s character also waits on tables. At this point he finally shares in the young woman’s hope and desire to succeed. When he forgets the lyrics to his song, he pretends to sing in Italian and pantomimes the story line. He has made a complete metamorphosis from a downtrodden factory worker to a hardworking member of society, determined to overcome difficult times. Even when they have to leave their jobs to flee from the police, who are searching for the young woman, there still persists a feeling of hope for a better life. I feel that Chaplin’s rhetoric in “Modern Times” serves a dual purpose. The situations in the jail and factories are meant to denounce the rich and powerful who do nothing to help the poor workers, and only use them to increase their own wealth. It also commends the American people who have the strength to carry on and hope for a better future. As seen by the optimistic ending with the two main characters walking arm in arm down an open road, Chaplain believes that the future holds endless possibilities for the hopeful and hardworking.