Flipside Movie Emporium

[Fred C. Dobbs]

****1/2 (of *****)

I watched Chaplin's The Circus on Sunday morning, courtesy of Warner Brothers terrific new DVD (part of The Chaplin Collection II boxset, but also available on it's own) and I loved it. Although it didn't hit me on an emotional level like his best film, Modern Times, The Circus may be Chaplin's funniest film, and is my second favorite. Maybe this film should be the one which Chaplin is most remembered for. If you ask anyone who ISN'T familar with Chaplin's films, the first thing that will come to mind is comedian, and this film, without a doubt, features some of the most memorable gags put on film! The Circus is an underrated Chaplin film, which needs to be re-evaluated. If you are new to Chaplin, I recommend you start with this film, because his comedic style is consistant throughout. One of my favorite moments is when he is running from the pick-pocket and the police officer, and he goes into the funhouse. There is a hilarious hall of mirrors scene which dates The Lady From Shanghai. Another one of the best moments in the film is the tightrope scene, which I won't spoil for you if you haven't seen it. The Circus also has emotion, like City Lights and Modern Times, but I didn't care for the ending. Overall, I highly recommend this film to anyone who has an interest in cinema.
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"Pino, fuck you, fuck your fuckin' pizza, and fuck Frank Sinatra."

[beltmann]

I've always felt that The Circus is one of Chaplin's most underrated pictures. It ranks highly for me, too.

Eric

[The Third M?n]

Great film, but City Lights I find to be his finest work.

[beltmann]