true absurdity

Audie 2022-03-20 09:01:21

Where Chaplin's previous roles tended to be more comical and absurd, this one is more serious. It is undeniable that the last speech line is likely to be the most shocking monologue in film history so far. The power to break through the shackles and the desire for freedom is always moving. The simplest and most straightforward things are often more convincing than the pompous words of some lobbyists. However, the irony with excessive force and the inadvertent anger have turned into some failures. Compared with the end of the modern era, I have more regrets. In fact, I am a little curious. After the shocking speech of the kind and passionate barber, what will happen next? Was it killed by an angry officer? Or maybe the officer deliberately concealed the facts in order to save his life, but could not avoid ending in the dark in the end? Or was the barber able to escape, or even ascended the throne of so-called "honor" because it was difficult to distinguish? However, the film finally cuts the camera to Hannah, who is like experiencing the baptism of the Messiah. Perhaps it is the best destination to pause at this picture. Just as fairy tales often end with the highlight. Chaplin's idealism burst forth in a flash. But it is a little too idealized, so that it lacks the strength of a little devious connotation, and it looks thin. But it is not easy to be able to create such a work when the Nazis are domineering. And compared to Chaplin's previous Victorian female image, this time the heroine Hannah's sense of independence and character are very wonderfully portrayed, especially the plot of hiding all the desserts in coins, which can be said to be very insightful. Compared with the comic effect of watching it once and seeing it again, maybe we should dig out the reasons why the masters never tire of watching the classics. Maybe not because they were the first to eat crabs. I've always admired Chaplin's utterly exaggerated but extremely reasonable magic of performances and designs. For example, at the beginning, when the plane was about to fall, the cigarette was divided, which broke the tense atmosphere at once; the setting in which Hinger was so aggressive at the beginning of the film that the microphone was wilted; The swing of the dance music, and the confused customers; there are also cases such as Hinger and other heads of state fighting against each other, and they can shake to the ceiling when cutting their hair. The barber is afraid of becoming a daredevil, swallowing three coins in a row, so A clanging setup in the belly. And the wonderful balloon dance, like a child playing with a favorite toy, but then bursting at the last moment. It's ironic. It can be said that the highest state of comedy is tragedy. There are still things that have not been fully expressed, and I hope that there will be time in the future to continue to make up.

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Extended Reading
  • Roel 2022-03-25 09:01:06

    Compared with the hairdresser's convenience, the role of Hitler is really wonderful, expressing the inner self-sensitivity, obsessive-compulsive disorder and neuroticism of the dictator in his mind.

  • Willis 2021-10-22 14:40:13

    7.5 Regardless of political reality, as far as the work of art is concerned, the humanistic sentiment of this film can be described as a perfect score. The final speech must give everyone a reason to fight for freedom.

The Great Dictator quotes

  • Secret Agent B-76: The men are planning a strike at the arms factory.

    Adenoid Hynkel: Who's the leader?

    Secret Agent B-76: There were five of them.

    Adenoid Hynkel: Have them shot.

    Secret Agent B-76: They were, your Excellency.

    Adenoid Hynkel: Oh. Hum. How many do you say were going on strike?

    Secret Agent B-76: The whole factory: 3,000 of them.

    Adenoid Hynkel: Have them all shot! I don't want any of my workers dissatisfied.

    Garbitsch: But, your Excellency, these men are skilled craftsmen. Why not let them work until they can train others and then shoot them.

    Adenoid Hynkel: We cannot afford to be lenient.

    Garbitsch: The whole rhythm of production will be affected if we shoot them now.

    Adenoid Hynkel: Rhythm of production? All right, have your rhythms.

  • Garbitsch: It's our destiny! We'll kill off the Jews. Wipe out the brunettes. Then, will come forth our dream of pure Aryan race!

    Adenoid Hynkel: Beautiful blonde Aryans.

    Garbitsch: They will love you. They will adore you. They will worship you as a god!

    Adenoid Hynkel: Oh! No-no! You mustn't say it! You make me afraid of myself.