Directed by Richard Attenborough. Starring Robert Downey Jr and MANY others.
I don't think there is any genre of films that is as consistently satisfying, creative, and fascinating as the bio-pic, and Chaplin is no exception.
Charlie Chaplin is, of course, a famous figure in film history. One of the great silent film actor/directors and perhaps the most classic comedian of all time, his "Little Tramp" is iconic. Richard Attenborough's Chaplin actually shows you very little of the man himself and includes hardly any footage of his movies. Except for a montage when Chaplin is awarded a lifetime Oscar, you see Charlie in character only briefly. Instead, this film deals with the man once the makeup, mustache, and clown shoes comes off and the bowler hat and cane get hung up for the day. In fact, this is set up by the opening scene, in which Chaplin carefully wipes of his makeup as if to signal that this is about the Charlie found beneath the surface of the Little Tramp. I've only seen one Chaplin film -- The Immigrant. Still, I know OF Chaplin in the way that everyone does... with an unavoidable and nigh universal awareness of a such an important cultural figure, but with very little familiarity. From what I've read, this film was criticized for glossing over Chaplin's life and taking too many creative liberties... but that's always an issue with this genre. I say this as a preface because I don't want to tell you how Chaplin compares to the life of Charlie Chaplin... I merely want to look at this film as just that: a film.
Robert Downey Jr.'s transformation into Chaplin is remarkable. This was of course made early in his career, amidst the tumult of his personal troubles. Still, I found it impossible to watch him in this film without thinking of him now -- cocky at the Oscars and other award shows, clever as Tony Stark or sharp as Sherlock Holmes, always lately on the top of his game. Seeing such talent from him so many years ago is very cool. Downey Jr. manages to flesh out Chaplin at every stage of his life -- his unknown young adulthood, the height of his celebrity, the ups and downs of his many marriages, the scandal and clashes with J. Edgar Hoover, and finally his exile and last years writing his biography. This is a demanding range for any actor. Not an easy role.
The supporting cast is equally wonderful. The film even stars the granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin in the role of Chaplin's mother -- a wonderful nod to history, I thought. The film is structured around Chaplin discussing his biography with his publisher/editor. This is the means with which he is reflecting on his own life. Thus, the primary narrative device is that of a series of flashbacks. I thought this worked well, though the movie certainly had to cover a lot of ground. Chaplin's life was dramatic and tumultuous. His love of younger women often got him into trouble, and his over-the-top work ethic and perfectionism led to many difficulties. Still, this is a portrait of a comedic and artistic genius... one of the first great filmmakers who knew what people wanted, and knew how to give it to them.
While perhaps not true to life, this movie is interesting and entertaining. It's a must-see for anyone who is a fan of Chaplin's work, and is an excellent way to at least get a sense of his life. Finally, it's a prime example of an actor as a true chameleon, with Robert Downey Jr. *becoming* the great Little Tramp and his creator.
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