Director: Richard Attenborough
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Marisa Tomei and Anthony Hopkins
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors in Hollywood have made films that audiences treasure like Robert Downey Jr. Ever since his rise to recognition in the 1990’s, RDJ has become a beloved icon. Whether it is bold political leaders, starkly rich billionaires or strong news reporters, Robert Downey Jr. has portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Robert Downey Jr.‘s finest strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that has often had aptitude for stealing a show in supporting roles which have limited screen time. Although he is best known for his role as Iron Man in the MCU, RDJ has suggested he can excel in every genre. Through his abilities to portray powerful characters that are compelling, RDJ has built a commemorated legacy that’s lasting. Throughout a long lasting career, RDJ has made many memorable films in various genres that are definitely worth talking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Robert Downey Jr. and adore all the movies which he has made in his career. However, “Chaplin” is my favourite. Released in 1992, Richard Attenborough’s film offered a powerful tribute towards an iconic entertainer. Packed with breathtaking production, riveting storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best biopics ever made. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Robert Downey Jr., who embodies the personality of a legendary Hollywood entertainer. Ultimately, what makes “Chaplin” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most films about the lives of Hollywood entertainers, it tackles bold themes that everyone will relate to. A riveting period piece about a Hollywood icon, there are many strong reasons why “Chaplin” is a commemorated movie that’s definitely worth seeing.
Based on true events, “Chaplin” tells the story of an iconic entertainer which changed history. Robert Downey Jr. portrays Charlie Chaplin, an aging entertainer. Chaplin has always had the talent for acting that has contributed towards his well-being. Assisted by his partner George Hayden (Anthony Hopkins), Chaplin has often excelled at doing his jobs of acting with strong dedication. However, Chaplin’s life drastically changes when his mischievous behaviour is a target of FBI causing disaster. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Chaplin begins to wonder whether it’s truly possible for him to become a successful entertainer. Faced with a dilemma, Chaplin questions whether he has a chance to become a strong icon in Hollywood’s Golden Era.
Richard Attenborough is fascinated with lives of historical figures. A phenomenal filmmaker, Attenborough has often made engaging films about renowned figures in history. His award-winning movie “Gandhi” honoured the legacy of a renowned political leader in Indian history. With “Chaplin”, however, Attenborough crafted his first biopic about an entertainer. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to celebrate legacy of Charlie Chaplin, but he succeeded immensely. Using stunning cinematography, Attenborough captures an entertainer embarking on journeys to find his identity. Inspired with David Lynch’s “The Elephant Man”, Attenborough uses strong montages to capture an entertainer seeking to leave a lasting legacy. For instance, montages elevate the filmmaking scene. During this bold scene, Chaplin strives to prepare for a famous film shoot causing tension. Through engaging montages, Attenborough honours a renowned entertainer which is engaging. Montages are tricky techniques to use in film. As Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” suggested, montages enhance biopics about inventors. However, it works immensely in this movie. Using stunning visuals, Attenborough honours an entertainer that’s inspiring.
Another admirable aspect of “Chaplin” which merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the film is extremely well made. Attenborough expertly uses costumes to capture the lives of entertainers with strong personalities. Throughout the movie, Chaplin’s costumes showcase his transformation into a strong entertainer that has lasting legacy. For instance, costumes enhance the ball dancing scene. During this memorable scene, Chaplin engages in a dance with Mabel at a ceremony. Through captivating costumes, Attenborough honours legacy of a beloved entertainer that’s engaging. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. John Barry’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden which entertainers bear. Through strong production, Attenborough celebrated an iconic entertainer with dedication.
Storytelling is one of the central reasons why “Chaplin” is a biopic about an entertainer that is engaging. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses non-linear storytelling to capture the life of an inventor that is inspiring. The film deftly switches back and forth among two timelines: flashbacks of Chaplin’s joyous childhood and present-day scenes of him as an aging entertainer. For instance, non-linear storytelling enhances opening scene. During this memorable scene, Chaplin reflects upon his childhood before he became a celebrated entertainer. Through breathtaking non-linear storytelling, Attenborough creates a portrait of entertainers that audiences can easily relate to. Non-linear storytelling is a tricky technique to use in movies. As David Fincher’s “Zodiac” demonstrated, non-linear storrrlling enhances serial killer movies. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through an excellent screenplay, Attenborough honours the legacy of an iconic actor today.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Robert Downey Jr. delivers one of his greatest performances as Charlie Chaplin. RDJ earned appreciation for starkly wealthy superheroes in comic-book movies. With “Chaplin”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to play a legendary entertainer in history, but he succeeds expertly. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charming and emotional in his most iconic role. RDJ has often excelled at playing emotional heroes in pressure, and “Chaplin” showcase his strength as an actor. With captivating expressions, he captures the angst, dedication and larger than life personality of an iconic entertainer seeking success in history. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most commemorated actors in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Robert Downey Jr., the supporting cast is also amazing and deserving of appreciation. Anthony Hopkins is astonishing, bringing an immense sense of authority toward a famous producer in the film industry. Marisa Tomei is magnificent, capturing charisma of a classic actress that falls in love with the Tramp in a doomed affair that comes with a painful price to pay. Lastly, Dan Aykroyd merits recognition. As a renowned comedian, he brings hilarious comical relief to the movie.
Finally, “Chaplin” would earn the appreciation of everyone for honouring legacy of an iconic actor in history. Unlike most movies about the lives of iconic entertainers, the film discusses strong themes which everyone would relate to. The film discusses powerful themes including ambition, career and marriage which definitely would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with history of Chaplin to appreciate it. Therefore, “Chaplin” is one of those rare movies about Hollywood icons that everyone will adore.
Fans of Robert Downey Jr. would appreciate “Chaplin” and so would movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A beautiful biopic, it honours the legacy of an actor that’s iconic.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about a legendary Hollywood entertainer that changed the film industry forever, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that has built a lasting legacy through his abilities to portray compelling characters in unforgettable movies which audiences treasure.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 