Pub.lished Movie Reviews
The Circus (1928)
This review contains spoilers.
"The Circus" is one of Charlie Chaplin's final silent films, in which he portrays The Tramp, a humorous, unfortunate vagrant.
The Tramp falls in love with the Ring Master's daughter, a victim of her father's physical abuse. She, however, is romantically interested in the new tightrope walker, not The Tramp.
Unbeknownst to The Tramp, he becomes the star of the Circus. When informed of his stardom, he remains blissfully ignorant of what makes him entertaining to the audience. As circumstances change and The Tramp's antics no longer amuse the crowd, he is at a loss. He attempts to engage the audience with his own tightrope act, which fails. Despite recognizing that things have changed, The Tramp is unable to regain the crowd's laughter. Consequently, the Ring Master dismisses The Tramp for failing to entertain.
The film concludes with the Circus abandoning The Tramp in the middle of nowhere, from where he embarks on his next adventure.
Produced around the time the first successful 'talkie' debuted in New York, the entire film feels like a metaphor for Chaplin's career. He must have known that films with sound were on the horizon and would soon dominate the cinematic world. Chaplin likely suspected that his unique comedic style wouldn't translate well into talkies, as he struggles to generate laughter with a soundtrack. In one scene, Chaplin even enters a lion's cage, a move that elicits laughter but also appears perilous, mirroring The Tramp's risky tightrope act.
- You don't enjoy silent films.
- You are not a fan of Charlie Chaplin's comedic style.
- You prefer movies with complex plots and dialogues.
- You are under the age of 8, as some visual comedy may not be comprehensible.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "The Circus" (1928)? I mean, here we have Charlie Chaplin, a guy more synonymous with bowler hats and canes than elephant dung and trapezes, suddenly becoming the star of the big top.
Chaplin's running around, walking tightropes, getting chased by monkeys and donkeys, and not once does he lose his hat. I can't even keep my hat on in a slight breeze, but here's Chaplin defying the laws of gravity and fashion!
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Fans of "The Circus" (1928) will appreciate "2001: A Space Odyssey" (1968) for its similar reliance on visual storytelling and minimal dialogue. Both films place a greater emphasis on visuals and physical performances rather than verbal exposition, inviting personal interpretation. Also, like "The Circus", "2001" features revolutionary techniques for its time, providing a visually stunning and unique cinematic experience.
The Kid (1921)"The Circus" and "The Kid" are silent comedy classics directed by and starring Charlie Chaplin, featuring his iconic character, The Tramp, in heartwarming and hilarious situations.
The Gold Rush (1925)Both films are silent comedy classics directed by and starring Charlie Chaplin, featuring his iconic "Little Tramp" character in humorous and poignant situations.
City Lights (1931)Both "The Circus" and "City Lights" are iconic silent films by Charlie Chaplin, featuring his beloved Tramp character, combining humor with poignant social commentary.
Modern Times (1936)Both films are classic Charlie Chaplin films, featuring his distinct blend of comedy, social commentary, and pathos. The humor and storytelling style are very similar, making them appealing to the same audience.
The Great Dictator (1940)Both films are classic Charlie Chaplin masterpieces, showcasing his unique blend of comedy and social commentary.
Citizen Kane (1941)"The Circus" and "Citizen Kane" are iconic cinematic masterpieces that showcase innovative storytelling techniques and exceptional performances. The complexity of characters, visual storytelling, and the exploration of universal human experiences like joy, sorrow, ambition, and regret in both films are likely to appeal to the same audience.
Vertigo (1958)Both "The Circus" and "Vertigo" are classic films that offer a unique blend of humor, romance, and suspense, masterfully directed by two legends of cinema, Charlie Chaplin and Alfred Hitchcock, respectively. These movies deliver captivating storytelling, compelling performances, and notable cinematic techniques that would appeal to any fan of classic cinema.
The Graduate (1967)"The Circus" and "The Graduate" are iconic films that showcase exceptional storytelling, unique humor, memorable characters, and innovative cinematography. Despite the different eras, fans would appreciate the exploration of universal themes like love, self-discovery, and societal expectations in both films.
Safety Last! (1923):If you enjoyed "The Circus," chances are you'd appreciate "Safety Last!" as well. Harold Lloyd, one of the classic comedic actors alongside Chaplin, headlines the film. Known for his incredible, high-rise stunts, Lloyd brings both slapstick and sophisticated comedy to the table. His blend of the everyday man's comedy and daredevil stunts sparked a film that is both amusing and thrilling, similar to Chaplin's "The Circus."
The General (1926):"The General," starring the unique talent of Buster Keaton is a silent comedy must-watch. The comedic genius of Keaton led this film to be considered one of the greatest comedies in cinematic history. Arguably Keaton's best work, this film with its physical comedy, action thrills, and historical war setting creates a multidimensional landscape akin to "The Circus".
Sherlock, Jr. (1924):Again, a Buster Keaton masterpiece, "Sherlock, Jr." is a silent film that blends surreal comedy with detective themes. The movie exhibits Keaton's unmatched ability to perform dangerous and physical comedic stunts. If you like "The Circus," you'll admire the clever illusions and self-referential humour present in this film. Keaton's metatextual comedy is centuries ahead of its time and adds depth to the enjoyment of silent-era films.
Steamboat Bill, Jr. (1928):Starring Buster Keaton, "Steamboat Bill, Jr." is a hearty comedy known for its physically demanding stunts. Keaton himself performs a daring building fall, which stands as one of the most astonishing stunts in film history. Much like "The Circus," the film serves up hefty doses of laughter and thrill alike. Plus, Keaton’s stoic yet lovable persona may serve as a nice counterpoint to Chaplin.
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