Modern Times

BFI Film Classics

by Joan Mellen

Modern Times (1936) was Charlie Chaplin's last full-length silent film, and also his last appearance as the Tramp, probably the most recognizable figure in film history. Social and political concerns had often featured in Chaplin's films, but in Modern Times they culminate in a protest against conditions during the Great Depression.

Joan Mellen situates Modern Times within the context of Chaplin's life and his work, exploring its history and influences as well as its ongoing appeal. She explores how the film's themes of oppression, industrialization, and dehumanization are embodied in the little tramp's struggle to survive in the modern world. 

Joan Mellen dedicates the final chapter of the book to the fascinating details of the FBI's file on Chaplin, which was opened in 1922 and maintained until long after his death. 

Genres: Film, Nonfiction

88 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2006

About the author

Joan Mellen is the bestselling author of twenty books, including A Farewell to Justice, her biographical study of Jim Garrison s New Orleans investigation of the Kennedy assassination. She has written for a variety of publications, including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Baltimore Sun. Mellen is a professor of English and creative writing at Temple University in Philadelphia.

(from http://www.booksandbooks.com/book/978...)

Reviews

[James F · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a volume in the British Film Institute's series of guides to classic films. Charlie Chaplin was without doubt the greatest comedian in the history of film -- Woody Allen may be a distant second -- and Modern Times is probably his best film. Mellen's account begins with a short biography of Chaplin and discussion of his earlier films, then has a chapter on what lead to his making it and his political and social opinions at the time, a long chapter on the film itself discussing it scene by scene, and finally a chapter on how it was recieved and on the incredible persecution of Chaplin by the FBI and its McCarthyite accomplices.

[Frank Marzano · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the major themes of Charlie Chaplin's silent films (especially MODERN TIMES) is that the Tramp, despite his best efforts, is unable to better himself socially or economically - an idea contrary to the American Dream. This led the U.S. government to suspect that Chaplin had Communist sympathies; the FBI first opened a file on Chaplin in 1922. There were other things, too: Chaplin never became an American citizen, and at the age of 54 he married 18-year-old Oona O'Neill, but MODERN TIMES was the tipping point. After that, the government really stepped things up.

This book examines how Chaplin's politics contributed to making MODERN TIMES the masterpiece that it is.

[David Sterritt]

Joan Mellen’s monograph on “Modern Times” says more about Chaplin in general than about that very great film in particular, and the writing is often careless. Not a bad overview, but it could have been considerably better. More close analysis would have helped, too.

[Travis Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far one of the most cohesive BFI Essential Films texts I have read.

[Russio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chaplin was great, particularly in Modern Times and City Lights. This volume tells of the former, alongside the US’s vendetta against him for exposing the reality of capitalism, in his film.

[Matt Scalici · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent installment in the BFI Classics series, Mellen focuses particularly on Chaplin's social message in MODERN TIMES and throughout his filmography and how mainstream America responded to that message: with fear, anger and disgust. Perhaps the most heroic aspect of Chaplin to me is the fact that while he could have found a welcome home among the far left, he stuck to his principles and didn't allow himself to be lumped into a movement he didn't believe in. It meant a lonely life without widespread public acceptance but it also ensured his legacy as a timeless champion of truth and social justice.