Funny Mondays
Monday, August 18, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Instructor: Paul McEwan, Ph.D., Muhlenberg College
Among the handful of films for which the expression “timeless classic” is not hyperbole, Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times has remained popular with audiences for nearly a century, with its commentary on the dehumanizing nature of technology is as relevant as ever. Of course, Chaplin’s pathos, romance, and humanity were as important to his appeal as his social commentary. There is no shortage of that here, as The Tramp continually tries to see past his own limited circumstances to help others. We also see the physical comedy that made Chaplin among the most famous humans in history, a performer beyond language whose work was comprehensible in every corner of the globe.
Released in 1936, the film was something of a last hurrah for the silent era that Chaplin had dominated. Films had already been talking for nearly a decade, but Chaplin realized that the magic of The Tramp character would be broken in a normal talkie, so he sticks to tradition as much as possible. This becomes part of the theme of the film, as he finds himself a man out of time, carried away by technological forces he can’t control. It is rare that a film ends up being praised by institutions as disparate as the Library of Congress, Cahiers du Cinema, and the Vatican, but this is one of the rare movies with that trifecta. It is a film very much of its time that acknowledges what is human in every one of us.
Are you interested in “just” seeing this movie? Visit the public screening page here.
Cinema Classics Seminars offer an entertaining and engaging way to learn more about some of the true classics of world cinema. All students receive an introductory lecture before the film and a guided discussion after the film. In addition, those in attendance receive a ticket to see it on the big screen, as well as popcorn and a drink. Please note: the screening associated with this seminar will be open to the public, as well.
Please contact BMFI Programs and Education Manager Jill Malcolm with any questions.
$25 for members, $35 for non-members
Schedule