Frame Study of The Modern Times by Charlie Chaplin

Unveiling the Zeitgeist: Charlie Chaplin's Cinematic Reflections on the 20th Century

This blog is prepared as the thinking activity task. I'll be preparing the other blog also and in this blog I'll discuss about the 20th century film of Charlie Chaplin ' Modern Times ' in 1936, which talks about the major characteristics of the 20th century. 

Overview of the Modern Times:

Modern Times" is a 1936 film of Charlie Chaplin. It's a silent comedy that critiques industrialization and its impact on society. Chaplin's character was vagrant who struggles with the dehumanizing effects of mechanization. The Tramp was usually the victim of circumstances and coincidences, but sometimes the results work in his favour. In Modern Times, he picks up a red flag that falls off a truck and starts to wave it at the truck in an attempt to return it, and by doing so, unknowingly and accidentally becomes the leader of the protesting group of workers, and ends up in jail because of it. The film is a blend of humor and social commentary on the challenges of the modern era.

Frame Study:

Frame  study analysis how people translate information by surveying to build understanding of events or matters. It explores the framing of ideas in conveying and shaping individuals conception of reality through dialect, sign and conditions, influencing Frame of mind and activity. 

Motorization of humans in the context of industrialization:

The watch is used as a central motif, this frame contains the movie's storyline, themes, and character essence. It symbolizes how individuals are confined by time, depicting the repetitive nature of industrial life and highlighting their metaphorical enslavement to the clock—a potent image echoing the mechanical, industrialized essence of the 20th century.

The frame shows ships on one side and humans on the other, emphasizes a parallel between the two. Just as the ships move mechanically, the humans seem to follow a routine with a sense of inertia, reflecting a unexciting existence. This visual comparison illustrates how industrialization and routine have mechanized human life, equating the rhythm of mechanical objects with the repetitive, lackluster routine experienced by individuals in the industrial world.

Mechanization of Humanity in the Industrial Age:

Chaplin's 'Modern Times' eloquently captures the dehumanizing impact of industrialization. The relentless machinery symbolizes the mechanization of human beings, stripping away individuality in the pursuit of efficiency. The assembly line, a hallmark of industrial progress, becomes a metaphor for the erosion of craftsmanship, highlighting the harsh realities of mass production overshadowing the artistry of human labor.

This frame portrays where workers perform repetitive tasks, stuck in a monotonous routine. The workers are so engrossed in their work that they can't even stop to remove a bee from their colleague's face. It shows how the workers are bound by their work, unable to break away from the tedious cycle. The scene emphasizes the dehumanizing nature of such work, where individuals are trapped in a mechanical rhythm, losing touch with their surroundings and even their own instincts or reactions.

Rich-Poor Divide and Capitalist Promises:

Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, 'Modern Times' artfully explores the widening rich-poor gap. Chaplin, through his iconic Tramp character, exposes the fallacy of capitalist promises to provide equal opportunities. The film serves as a poignant critique of a system that perpetuates the impoverishment of the poor while elevating the wealthy, laying bare the inherent flaws of unchecked capitalism.

Struggles for Basic Amenities and Human Rights:

Chaplin's lens extends beyond borders, capturing the universal struggle for basic amenities amid the growing richness of nations. Whether it's the fight for food, shelter, or clothing, his films resonate with the challenges faced by individuals in a rapidly changing world. 'Modern Times' becomes a mirror reflecting the hardships of everyday life, transcending temporal boundaries.

Joblessness:

 

Charlie Chaplin is conveying the message over here is unemployment due to the factory getting shut off leading them to their protest. The major concern of the 20th century was the basic needs of the humans such as job security which was not at all fixed. 

The above scene in which the muscular prisoners are shown doing knitting, typically considered women's work. It reflects the shift in the modern age, where traditional Victorian ideas were deemed outdated and hypocritical. The new generation embraced contrasting values. Additionally, the portrayal of prisoners engaging in traditionally feminine tasks like knitting, milling, and cleaning aimed to diminish their masculine image. It's challenging societal perceptions of gendered work.

This scene conveys that a worker being shot by the police during a protest. It's not just about one person dying, it symbolizes the loss of craftsmanship and jobs.

In this scene, the policeman hands him a recommendation letter, a symbol of hope for a job. Today, a simple recommendation letter can still be crucial for job opportunities. In the modern context, even with various degrees, unemployment remains a challenge for many, highlighting the struggle to secure jobs despite higher qualifications.

This frame depicts the Mall Culture, a place where people find happiness and freedom to do what they want. It's a space where dreams and desires come true, reflecting the context of the modern age where people can fulfill their wishes and desires.

The movie concludes with an open road, symbolizing the enduring need for hope despite life's challenges. It's a timeless and significant frame that encourages optimism after facing adversity, a message relevant then, now, and always. Amidst life's hurdles, this expansive road represents Charlie Chaplin's belief in persevering and finding hope, a sentiment mirrored in his own life and ideals.

Conclusion:

Charlie Chaplin's cinematic masterpieces serve as more than mere entertainment; they are profound reflections on the zeitgeist of the first fifty years of the 20th century. Through his lens, we witness the echoes of industrialization, the stark realities of the rich-poor divide, the menace of dictatorial regimes, and the timeless struggles for basic human rights. As we delve into these cinematic gems, we not only understand the past but also find poignant lessons for navigating the complexities of the present.

Below there's a video of the film which would help you to understand the frames more precisely. 

Happy learning🌻