Speech by Charlie Chaplin in the Great Dictator
Analysis on Charlie Chaplin’s Speech in “The Great Dictator”
Charles Chaplin realized numerous films among which "The Gold Rush" in 1925, then "The Circus" in 1929 and "Modern Times" in 1974. It was an icon of cinema comedy.
The Great Dictator was Charlie Chaplin's first talking film. It was released in 1940 in New York but was censored in Europe where it was brought out later in 1945 at the end of the Second World War. This censorship was due to the caricature of the Nazis and the present fascists in "The Great Dictator".
The statements that Chaplin makes throughout his speech really have the capacity to make one seriously think about their place in society. He discusses all the ways humanity has hurt themselves when they could be uniting and helping one another. It’s a magnificent message, one that an innumerable amount of people needs to hear today.
He speaks about how humanity should have the power of themselves rather than a dictator. He speaks about humanity’s natural love for others and how much better the world would be if people were able to work together to exercise that love.
He even quotes from the bible book of Luke. Chaplin expresses views and ideas that are the polar opposite from what one would expect from an individual dressed like the most infamous dictator in history, especially during the time period in which the film was released. Even now, many people seem to have an instantly negative reaction upon seeing someone dressed similarly to Hitler, even before they hear what it is the person is saying. This is not surprising, but it shows that the effectiveness of Chaplin’s juxtaposition between outfit and oration has lasted even down to our day. Chaplin and Hitler had many things in common. They were both born within a week of each other in 1889. They both had a tough upbringing. Most famously, perhaps, was the similarity of their trademark toothbrush moustaches (which Chaplin wore for the last time, ironically, in The Great
Charles Chaplin realized numerous films among which "The Gold Rush" in 1925, then "The Circus" in 1929 and "Modern Times" in 1974. It was an icon of cinema comedy.
The Great Dictator was Charlie Chaplin's first talking film. It was released in 1940 in New York but was censored in Europe where it was brought out later in 1945 at the end of the Second World War. This censorship was due to the caricature of the Nazis and the present fascists in "The Great Dictator".
The statements that Chaplin makes throughout his speech really have the capacity to make one seriously think about their place in society. He discusses all the ways humanity has hurt themselves when they could be uniting and helping one another. It’s a magnificent message, one that an innumerable amount of people needs to hear today.
He speaks about how humanity should have the power of themselves rather than a dictator. He speaks about humanity’s natural love for others and how much better the world would be if people were able to work together to exercise that love.
He even quotes from the bible book of Luke. Chaplin expresses views and ideas that are the polar opposite from what one would expect from an individual dressed like the most infamous dictator in history, especially during the time period in which the film was released. Even now, many people seem to have an instantly negative reaction upon seeing someone dressed similarly to Hitler, even before they hear what it is the person is saying. This is not surprising, but it shows that the effectiveness of Chaplin’s juxtaposition between outfit and oration has lasted even down to our day. Chaplin and Hitler had many things in common. They were both born within a week of each other in 1889. They both had a tough upbringing. Most famously, perhaps, was the similarity of their trademark toothbrush moustaches (which Chaplin wore for the last time, ironically, in The Great