In the beginning, the Little Tramp character was silent out of necessity more than any artistic choice. Films were silent, so it only follows that its stars would be as well. But after a certain point, everyone else started to talk while the Tramp stayed quiet. It was a deliberate decision by Charlie Chaplin to delay transitioning into the sound era for as long as possible. By the time Modern Times came out, he was one of the only filmmakers still making silent movies, and the Little Tramp had become a quaint remnant of a nearly obsolete medium. It's a credit to Chaplin's unparalleled talent that he also happens to be one of the most endearing characters in film history. Words are redundant for the Tramp, who makes himself perfectly understood with just his face and body. In Modern Times, just as Chaplin is feeling left behind in Hollywood, the Tramp begins to find himself overwhelmed by the breakneck pace and oppressive machinery of the modern age. It's a silent, helpless scream against all the unpleasant side effects of progress, done with a sense of humor that only Charlie Chaplin could bring to the table.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
