From the directors of the critically acclaimed, ‘Notes on Blindness’, comes their latest documentary, aiming to unearth the untold story of celebrated star Charlie Chaplin.
★★★✰✰
Charlie Chaplin. One leading name that has become synonymous with the evolution of cinema and comedy. Everyone can identify his signature appearance as “The Tramp” donning his iconic bowler hat, cane, and moustache. Chaplin’s career spanned for over 70 years with humble beginnings in vaudeville to producing some of cinema’s most iconic comedies ranging from The Kid (1921) to The Great Dictator (1940). Whilst these films have given us a clear understanding of Chaplin’s persona, the question remains of who was the real Charlie Chaplin.
Two documentary directors, Peter Middleton and James Spinney seek to challenge our preconceptions on the comedic icon for decades in this latest film. Their last documentary 2016’s “Notes on Blindness” examined the life of John M. Hull, an Australian theologian who became completely blind after years of declining vision. It provided an immersive deconstruction of the experience of blindness strengthened by a focus on archival audio recordings and profound recounts.
Based on their previous work in the documentary genre, Middleton and Spinney are the perfect candidates for narrating a complex life of a celebrated comedic actor. Whilst The Real Charlie Chaplin does succeed in presenting his life, what is represented is never quite enough to achieve its goal
Similar techniques featured in Notes on Blindness are utilized in the directors’ latest documentary to narrate Chaplin’s life story. Digitally remastered archival footage and audio recordings from throughout his career drive the narrative. Instead of exclusively savouring contemporary interviews from related figures and historians, the accounts stem from past interviews interwoven with documented film or clips from one of Chaplin’s works such as his 1966 Life Magazine interview which guide the biographical tale. The advantage of well-preserved materials unite constructing a sophisticated presentation for the documentary entices the viewer from the very beginning. These interviews benefit with the combination of the documentary’s narrator, Pearl Mackie (Doctor Who), who delivers a wonderful detailing of the significant events that affected Charlie Chaplin’s various endeavours and reception.
The Real Charlie Chaplin succeeds in portraying the star as a highly influential character in the world of cinema history. We get to observe his early upbringing in poverty during late 19th century London accompanied by an enlightening 1983 interview from one of his childhood friends. Chaplin’s vaudeville days transitioning into major Hollywood success, various scandals, relationships, and later years are all illustrated respectively throughout the documentary. It additionally does not shy away from representing the more controversial aspects of his personal life. Corresponding interviews of voices related to these particular segments are heard which was an especially commendable feat.
Whilst it gives the impression that this film acts as the definitive Charlie Chaplin documentary, the information that is unveiled sadly does not hit very far.
The main issue at hand is how the film accomplishes its mission of displaying the ‘real’ Charlie Chaplin. It partially succeeds in its efforts with coverage of crucial highlights of his life which are displayed effectively. However, by solely concentrating only on the main highs, there is not enough opportunity for nuance into Chaplin’s persona. Charlie Chaplin was certainly a larger-than-life presence on the silver screen with his comedy and physically charismatic performances, but his almost reclusive and shy nature in his private personal life is subsequently glossed over.
Yes, it is logical that one of cinema’s biggest icons cannot be summarised in a 114-minute documentary and there is undoubtedly the chance a few details to be emitted for structural purposes. On the other hand, the contents, although illuminated efficiently, have little to no bite and it consequently feels as if you are watching an adaptation of Charlie Chaplin’s Wikipedia page.
If this project chooses to set out in exposing the ‘true’ persona as opposed to merely showcasing the highpoints of his life, the inclusion of his lesser-acknowledged attributes are required to truly answer its question.
The Verdict
The Real Charlie Chaplin is a good documentary for those with no prior knowledge and is well-executed. But this is not the definitive documentary for Chaplin and will leave you craving more.
Words by Ethan Soffe
The Real Charlie Chaplin is released in cinemas, on Altitude.film and digitally from Friday 18th February
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