Modern Times

Modern Times is a realistic film that depicts the harsh reality of our society. Charlie Chaplin presents the setting in the future. What should be a perfect, harmonious, easy job setting turns out to be a harbor for oppression and hard labor. This is an ironic contrast to the title of the movie because America has seen this type of oppression throughout many years, yet it still has not been solved in modern times. The most impacting part of the film was when Chaplin presents the outside world to the viewers. It is a hard, cold place to live in with much poverty and hunger running rampant in the streets. The girl he befriends becomes a symbol of the innocence that is lost when her father is killed and her family is taken from her. This film has an excellent representation of the goals of hardworking people; simply a good meal and a roof to sleep under. My favorite part of the movie was when Chaplin finally achieved a job he was good at. However, even this part of the movie becomes a symbol when the police, the prevailing form of government once again pursues Chaplin and his friend, taking their only form of income and survival. The film contains a strong message about the purpose of survival and how not only is food and money important, but the need for the happiness given from a family will always prevail, even in the worst situations.