Review: The Circus
While waiting for the others to arrive for our weekly Bible study, Jeremiah and I had a mini movie marathon.
We watched four films: Modern Times, The Circus, West Side Story, and Citizen Kane. The first two are Charlie Chaplin films. These two are the first Chaplin films I’ve seen and it was also the first time I encountered The Tramp, Charlie Chaplin’s very memorable onscreen character.
I’m a big fan of old movies, but I’m not a very big fan of silent films. However, The Circus was very entertaining and very fun to watch. I cannot count the moments that I literally doubled over with laughter on Jeremiah’s couch.
Anyone who has seen a silent film featuring The Tramp would know that he has always been a terrible victim of circumstance – and a very kindhearted fellow. The Circus is no different. I’m not going to spoil the plot for you guys, because I’d like you to watch the movie and experience Charlie Chaplin’s humor. :)
In The Circus, Charlie Chaplin is at his best. While I have to say that it’s not as good as Modern Times, we still see the bumbling Tramp unintentionally get into all sorts of trouble. Only The Tramp can get locked in a cage with a lion, try to transfer to another cage containing a tiger and still make it funny. Only The Tramp can find himself being forced to walk a tightrope when the original tightrope walker fails to arrive.
It’s funny, it makes you feel a little sorry for The Tramp, and will make you go “awww” as well. It also ends with the signature ending that usually accompany his movies. :)
Perhaps you’d like to look at modern furniture?
You would have loved my Hollywood and History class. All we ever did was watch old movies… then, we analyzed their historical significance in 20th century American history.
We watched Modern Times in that class and I remember being pleasantly surprised that I wasn’t bored to death! I had never seen a silent movie before but Charlie Chaplin engrossed me so much that before I knew it, I had watched the whole movie without falling asleep. Haha
I have yet to see The Circus… I’ve only seen clips of it. And Citizen Kane! I wanna see that too.
Felisa: Charlie Chaplin is amazing. I did notice that Modern Times seemed to be packed with well-disguised social commentaries more than The Circus was. Perhaps that was why it was shown in your class. :) I loved Modern Times because they finally gave The Tramp a voice (although granted, the song was basically full of nonsense gibberish) – and he wasn’t walking alone towards the horizon anymore. :)
You need to go see Citizen Kane!
I’ve seen several Charlie Chaplin films as a kid. I can’t remember most of them now.
I’ve always wanted to see Citizen Kane, since it’s usually #1 in the “greatest movies of all time” lists.
Oh man, I got to watch Modern Times for English class and I thought it was absolutely fantastic- I really appreicated the social commentary as well as Chaplin’s own humour, he is a truly fantastic actor! As soon as holidays are around, I’m gonna look for the other movies :)