After watching
movies today, it is hard to respond to a silent film such as The Gold Rush. The classic silent film, The Gold Rush, uses many important
elements to engage film viewers today. Whether it is the sound mix, props, and
even the great personality and work of Charlie Chaplin, the silent aspect of
the film does not make it incomprehensible or a problem to watch.
In the movie
Chaplin incorporates the sound mix very well. Although the film is silent, the
mood of each scene is captured by the playing of the instruments and whether it
is high pitched, low pitched, fast, or slow. This tool of filmmaking captures
the mood and feel of not only the scene, but also the entire film, even though
there are no words spoken to attain the viewer’s attention. Another device
Chaplin includes very well into the film is the use of props.
During each scene
Chaplin skillfully integrates many of the props to make the scene become more
appealing and lively. This helps viewers focus on not only the characters, but
also the entire set of the scene. There are many scenes in The Gold Rush where Chaplin utilizes the use of props such as many
of the cabin scenes. In the cabin scenes Chaplin uses the stove, his shoe, the
dinnerware, and even the table to become more visible. Also in the second cabin
after Georgia
leaves and The Lone Prospector becomes ecstatic, he makes use of almost every
prop in the room. All of this just shows Chaplin’s remarkable work and
personality as an actor.
Throughout the
film I thought it would be tough to read the characters, but with Chaplin’s
personality, actions, and facial expressions I always knew what the lone
prospector was thinking or what he would say if the film had voices. The scene
the captures Chaplin’s great work is the scene of the dancing rolls. This is
one of the greatest scenes in history and other movies throughout the years
allude to this historical scene.
All three of these
devices combined with Chaplin’s remarkable work and personality makes The Gold Rush a classic film also why we
still watch it today, 85 years after it debuted.
In your analysis above, you mention that even though the movie is silent, Chaplin is able to capture the mood of each scene with music and facial expressions. This argument is a great way to describe how the lack of dialogue adds to the overall film. There are many examples of this in the film including what’s mentioned above with the dancing dinner roll scene. It is also noticeable during the storms when the music gets fast-paced and high-pitched, as well as during the dinner scene when Chaplin’s facial expressions and body language show his emotions. Overall, your analysis is clear and defined and proves a valid point.
ReplyDeleteIn your analysis, your group make very good points to make it clear that the movie, The Gold Rush, shows a story line even though it is silent. The music and bold facial expressions really show how the actors are feeling and what kind of mood Charlie Chaplin was trying to express. Also I feel that your group used very good examples to describe these points. I believe that your analysis describes the movie well and makes it clear to understand.
ReplyDeleteWriting on behalf of Group 1
ReplyDeleteThe description of the uses of props and sound mix are not only accurate but are great points. Even though Charlie Chaplin makes the movie just by being Chaplin but his use of props and using them to engage the audience in an active manner really help the story move along. His active manner and playful attitude help the audience become encompassed in the nature of Chaplin's "active acting".