Watch Chaplin
- PG-13
- 1992
- 2 min
-
7.5 (62,936)
Chaplin is a 1992 biographical film about the life of the legendary English comedian, filmmaker, and actor Charlie Chaplin. The movie stars Robert Downey Jr. in the titular role as Charlie Chaplin, with Geraldine Chaplin, Paul Rhys, Anthony Hopkins, Kevin Kline, and Dan Aykroyd in supporting roles. The movie is directed by Richard Attenborough, who previously won an Academy Award for Best Director for his film "Gandhi".
Chaplin spans through the life of the eccentric actor, and it begins with his impoverished upbringing in London. As a young boy in the slums, Chaplin (played by Downey Jr.) had to fend for himself and his brother, Sydney, as their mother struggled with mental illness. However, despite their poverty, Chaplin grew up with a natural comedic talent and charisma, which eventually caught the attention of a travelling theatre troupe. He became a member of the troupe, and from there, his career in the entertainment industry began.
From there, Chaplin worked his way up the ladder to become a star in Hollywood during the silent era. The movie shows all aspects of his career, including his various films, his marriages, and his battles with Hollywood studios, as well as his personal life.
Throughout the movie, Chaplin's personal demons are also explored. The movie highlights his many romantic liaisons, his troubled marriages, and his difficulties with his own identity. One of the central themes of the movie is Chaplin's inability to separate his work from his personal life, which leads to various personal problems that ultimately plague him throughout his career.
The movie also touches upon some of the controversies Chaplin faced later in his life, including accusations of his political affiliations with communism, which led to his voluntary exile from the United States. As a result, Chaplin ended up spending most of his final years in Switzerland.
Robert Downey Jr. delivers a brilliant and nuanced performance as Chaplin, capturing both the charm and vulnerability of the actor. Not to mention, both physical and vocal aspects of him are perfectly played which further strengthens the performance. In addition, the supporting cast is also excellent, with notable performances by Geraldine Chaplin as her own grandmother, Hannah Chaplin, as well as Paul Rhys as Chaplin's friend and colleague, Douglas Fairbanks.
As a biopic, the movie is accurate and detailed, and it provides an extensive view of Chaplin's life and career. It focuses more on his personal life than his work, so it might not be the most ideal choice of viewing for someone looking for an in-depth exploration of Chaplin's filmography. The movie, though, is perfect for those looking for a beautiful tribute to one of the most iconic figures of the entertainment industry.
Overall, "Chaplin" is a fascinating biopic that is filled with humour, drama, and pathos. It is a beautiful tribute to one of the greatest entertainers of all time, and it is definitely worth the watch for any fan of the actor or the silent movie era in general.
Chaplin is a 1992 drama with a runtime of 2 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 47.