FILM 1502 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Antisemitism, Misanthropy, Mccarthyism
23 Oct 2018
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Document Summary
Charlie chaplin (1889-1977) had a 40 year career of productivity with origins in the uk. One of few stars to survive the transition from silent film to synchronized sound. The challenges of his childhood would inform his comedic work (both structurally and narratively) Contention of chaplin"s lack of us citizenship across his career (xenophobia of 1920s, anti- semitism of 1930s, mccarthyism of 1950s) Lack of belonging as key form within his films. The tramp as chaplin"s on-screen persona; ingrained in the collective cultural memory (ie. humourous and exaggerated costuming, ridiculous mannerisms) The tramp as constantly the focal point of the frame (always stands out) Immigrants as sympathetic caricatures; distinctly portrayed for comedic effect. Acculturation as challenged by differences in social class and social norms. The tramp as outlandish; both a romantic and sentimental character we can empathize with and a misanthrope (underlying maliciousness as an aspect of these themes?)
