Soupçon III In Memoriam Series V.v
The last point that I would like to make in our discussion of this film, considered "culturally, historically, aesthetically significant" so much so that it is one of the twenty-five best films of the twentieth century according to the Library of Congress, is that it is a 'silent film.'
Actually, 'talkies', that is, films with dpoken dialogues, had already begun, since 1927 to be precise. Yet Chaplin chooses the silent mode. Undoubtedly, there are subtitles to scenes, explaining their content and relevance.
Yes, Ellen's song is 'vocal', too, though it basically is more mere empty gibberish. In other words, the film belongs to the silent era/genre. Why so?
In my opinion, Chaplin wants to convey how the machineries of modern times render the downtrodden still more down, and out. That is his stringent comment on capitalism that reduce the poor poorer still.
Hence the scene when the Tramp forgets the the lyrics of the song, given the loss of cufflinks which were to cover the hidden words so that his n her job at the café would continue. and somehow saves the situation by impromptu singer-ly activities in the comic mode.
Well, this was the way on stage was born the great genius Charlie Chaplin, then an eight year old. Performing at the Aldershot Canteen in England, his mother, Hannah, lost her voice entirely in front of a tough, noisy audience of soldiers.
Pulled from the wings, the young Charlie was led onto the center stage by the stage manager. He sang the popular tune "Jack Jones," collected in a funny caper the tossed coins while drawing laughter, and mimicked his mother's hoarseness to a delighted crowd.
Chaplin, in brief, understood very well the pangs poor face, but lack the voice to make them known to the world. Hence this masterpiece, critiqueing the materialistic machines released relentlessly by capitalism, continues to be a silent movie even in the 'talkies' era.
Pratima Agnihotri
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