Walter Benjamin wrote only a few relatively brief accounts of Chaplin's films and impact, centered on 1928's The Circus. But his fascination is evident; Chaplin collapses the dyad and the triad established in "The Work of Art in the age of its Mechanical Reproducability" --he is both the actor in the "test" that is a cinema performance, and the director who will weave the film itself out of a myriad of possibilities -- and yet he remains entirely "natural," in the sense that he is also in the place of the viewer, the lone soul whose craving for sense in a senseless world is great enough to break the very frame of film itself.
There really hasn't been another figure like Chaplin, nor is there likely to be -- and that's not simply due to a lack of talent, luck, or the desire of mass audiences for iconic figures. The icons of the later twentieth century have tended to come from the area of music and performance, and although they have made forays into film (the Beatles with A Hard Day's Night, or Michael Jackson with Thriller), it has been only one of many outlets. Now, in the new media era's house of YouTubed mirrors, it seems easier to create a dozen Lady Gagas than one figure of enormous stature and appeal. Artists who, Chaplin-like, have endeavored to set up their own media empire, have had (generally) brief efflorescences followed by slow (or sudden) declines -- where are Prince's Paisley Park Records, the Beatles Apple Corps, or Madonna's Maverick label today? Even when giants combine, as with DreamWorks Entertainment, they rarely stay large for long.
Chaplin's own legacy seems secure -- news that his films were going to be re-released by the Criterion Collection, replacing the flawed digital transfers of MK2, has lit up the film world, and his name is still a "houshold" word -- most recently used to brand a line of luggage in South America, from the website of which the digital image at the head of this entry derives!
Tony Ricci • Chaplin
ReplyDeleteCharlie Chaplin appears to be unique in that he captured so many facets and roles of the film industry. He is a bit like a lot off people, but not really similar to any one person in his scope of ambition, accomplishment and lasting impact. People like Steve Jobs and Walt Disney made major changes to how the industry functioned, yet they did not act, although Walt did host his own Wonderful World of Disney, it was not a dramatic role. Steve Jobs famously played himself at the Worldwide Developer Conferences where he unveiled his latest disruptors and wiz-bangs. Jobs was as iconic in his jeans and black mock turtleneck as Chaplin was in his ill fitting “tramp” outfit, yet Jobs changed the film industry via his brainchild Pixar, and not by being an actor, writer and director himself. Money and success allowed Chaplin, Disney and Jobs to dramatically alter the landscape of what was expected by moviegoers. Chaplin, of the group, was the one who really embraced the acting and the iconic exploitation of himself in an unusually effective and lasting way. In the end, Chaplin created a media empire built on one persons self-financed vision which allowed complete creative control and production excesses that only had to be justified to himself as an artist. The result was a long lasting icon and a stylistically recognizable pillar in modern media culture.
There is no denying that Charlie Chaplin was and still is, one of or the most iconic film/screen star of all time. His image is known, world-wide, by all audiences, even Millienials who may never have seen “The Little Tramp” or any of his other movies. Chaplin’s iconic clothing, gestures, gags, and overall appearance have been reproduced in films, animations, and cartoons for years, allowing younger audiences a glimpse of who this man was at one point. Has anyone else made such an impact on the film industry and the history of slapstick comedy since? Perhaps not, but I believe Groucho Marx and few select others from this time period made some significant contributions to the artform and the history. However, none, will ever be as well known throughout future generations as Charlie Chaplin.
ReplyDeleteCharlie Chaplin was and continues to be a power house in entertainment. Chaplin created his own brand throughout his career, it is as if he set up an extravagant stage performance that lasted for the entire span of his career resulting in his legacy. It is interesting to consider how his elaborate plan for fame has provided influence and insight for present day Hollywood performers. What have they learned from him? Has their longevity in fame been impacted? While each of these questions may have varying answers per celebrity or onlooker, one thing that is clear based on my observation is those that choose to be different create immense success. Performers such as Madonna and Lady Gaga (as noted above), constantly evolve and manipulate their presence in order to stand out. These artists have a knack for gaining attention and stepping outside of the box. They demand the spotlight not just by their talent, but by they mannerisms, appearance, and gimmicks. It is clear that each has taken a note or two from Chaplin's extravagant performances and life's a stage path.
ReplyDelete