Modern Times

1936.
#81 / #78

After The Tramp (Charlie Chaplin) loses his job on an assembly line, he finds himself at the head of a Communist demonstration, imprisoned, on drugs, and in love with a gamin (Paulette Goddard). Together with the gamin, The Tramp tries to live a straight and narrow life, but he's never able to catch a break.

Eddie: MODERN TIMES is one of my five favorite movies of all time. I think it's as close to perfect as a movie can get. Chaplin is at the top of his game in MODERN TIMES - the pinnacle of his career. Paulette Goddard is probably one of the hottest actresses ever, and she shows it in this movie. I'd put her on my all-time list, hands down. (Maybe if they had gone ahead and cast her in GONE WITH THE WIND, I would've actually enjoyed that movie.) The movie also shows Chaplin's innovative way of embracing sound without selling The Tramp out to talkies. The Tramp speaks only once, and even then, it's in gibberish. But seriously, you guys, how hot is Paulette Goddard?! The music of MODERN TIMES is as tragic as it is uplifting, and Chaplin wrote the main theme himself. Lastly, MODERN TIMES has not only political relevance, but human relevance. Even today, seventy-four years after the film's release, audiences can still identify with losing their job in an effort to cut costs. Chaplin proves his genius by making us laugh while showing us how painful real life can be. (Chaplin also proves his genius by casting and eventually marrying Paulette Goddard.)

Sarah: Eddie insists I liked this movie, but considering we watched it recently and I barely remember any of it, I don't think so. It didn't leave much of an impression on me. I don't think this film has as much heart or comedy as THE GOLD RUSH. I actually find Chaplin's (and Eddie's) love for Paulette Goddard to be a bit creepy since she comes off as more of an orphan child than a woman. It's still Chaplin, it's still delightful and fun, but it's no THE KID or THE GOLD RUSH.

Eddie: Paulette Goddard was Sarah's age when she filmed MODERN TIMES.

Why You Should See It: The jail scenes will have you laughing out loud, amazed by the fact that a silent film still has the ability to make you laugh out loud.

The Gold Rush

1925.

#74 / #58

Nominated for 2 Academy Awards.

The Tramp (Charlie Chaplin) heads to Alaska with hopes of striking it rich in the gold rush.

Sarah: This is my favorite Chaplin film. It has the best gags - the shack tilting in the wind, the starving Tramp seeing his roommate as a giant chicken, and, of course, the Tramp eating his shoe. Oh my god. Cracks me up every time.

In this film, Chaplin really demonstrates his mastery of the comedic. To merely list the jokes does not do them justice. Conceptually, they are not the most brilliant, but his performance makes them genius. He also is the most charming in this film. I also think this has the best romantic love story of his films. Watching Chaplin being stood up on New Year's Eve is heartbreaking. (I feel you, buddy. I think New Year's Eve is depressing, too). It's not just a great silent film, it's a great romantic comedy - simple and sweet - which is why THE GOLD RUSH keeps climbing that AFI list.

Eddie: I disagree with Sarah, though not about much. Sarah's right about the movie's humor, which is unparalleled (and light years better than the Marx Brothers, who were still in vaudeville theaters at the time). THE GOLD RUSH completes Chaplin's transition from silly silent comedies to timeless comedic opuses. The movie has a lot of heart, but it isn't as tender as CITY LIGHTS (not to mention MODERN TIMES). What this movie does have is hilarious gags, along with a romantic sub-plot and excellent score that make Chaplin worth his place in American cinema. If it isn't already clear, Chaplin is one of my favorite directors of all time, and I think he deserves more than only three spots on the AFI 100.

Why You Should See it: The dinner roll scene. We fall in love with him every time he makes those dinner rolls dance. I dare you not to fall in love with him, too.