Chaplin
Starring Robert Downey Jr., Moira Kelly, Anthony Hopkins
Written by William Boyd, Bryan Forbes, and William Goldman
Directed by Richard Attenborough


I have always been fascinated with Charlie Chaplin. From the first time I saw clips of him on TV to receiving a piggy bank in the shape of him as a gift on my birthday -- I have always been drawn to Charlie Chaplin. From his wonderful acrobatic skills to his unique look, Charlie Chaplin is undeniably unforgettable. I am sorry I can’t say the same for the film.

Chaplin is yet another biographical film in an endless line of biographical films. It follows the same formula, starting from the troubled youth scene to the scene where he gets carried on the shoulders of an adoring mob, and then onto the old-age scene where he looks back on a glorious life. With director Richard Attenborough (Gandhi) guiding the film and William Goldman as one of the screenwriters, not mention the great subject matter that they have to work with -- I have to ask, what happened?! The film is flat, the low scenes are never that low and the high scenes never achieve any height. Charlie Chaplin would be rolling in his grave. Is it a well-made film? Yes. But does it entertain? No. Robert Downey Jr. always gives a great performance and his portrayal of Chaplin is no exception, but the pacing and storytelling is just awful. I am very upset. In a day and age of remakes, I really hope somebody remakes Chaplin and honours the life of comic genius Charlie Chaplin -- this film sure didn’t.


THE RUNDOWN:

The Good: Thank God for Robert Downey Jr. and the life of Charlie Chaplin.

The Bad: Dishonours Charlie Chaplin with bad pacing and storytelling.

The Law: Avoid the film and go rent some old Charlie Chaplin flicks instead.