Film Analysis

Modern Times (1936)

Directed by Charles Chaplin

Objective:
Analyse the film in terms of-
1. Theme
2. Character Development
3. Treatment of Story

Analysis:
1. Theme-
Marxism- It portrays the dehumanizing effects of
industrialization and modernization faced by the
working class during the Great Depression era.
For example, The Tramp is reduced to a mere cog
in a machine performing the repetitive task over
and over again.
2. Character Development-

➢ The Tramp:
▪ Oppressed and dejected factory worker.
▪ Faced a series of setbacks; Fired from job and
faced imprisonment due to misunderstandings.
▪ Resilient and Optimistic; Always found a way to
make the best of his situation.
▪ Independent and determined; Gets together with
the Gamin and works hard for their living.

➢ The Gamin:
▪ Streetwise young woman; Absconds with finesse
after committing a crime.
▪ Independent and determined; Steals food for her
living and fights with the Law.
▪ Empathetic and Compassionate; After getting
saved by the Tramp, she realizes the importance of
human connection in the face of hardship.
3. Treatment of Story-

▪ The film opens with a shot of a large clock,

symbolizing the modern age and its relentless
pace.
▪ The feeding machine is a metaphor for the
way in which industrialization has stripped
away our basic humanity. The machine is
meant to make eating more efficient, but the
workers are unable to experience the joy of
eating.
▪ The closing shot of the film, in which the
Tramp and the Gamin walk off into the sunset,
is a metaphor for the hope that can be found
in human connection.
▪ The use of humor in the film signifies the way
in which we can find joy and laughter amidst
mishaps.