Chaplin (1992)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Jeff "

  
  Robert Downey jr. brings Charlie Chaplin to life in this near flawless biopic, Chaplin. Chaplin tells the story of the first Hollywood icon, Charlie Chaplin. Robert Downey jr. delivers as the famed actor. He gives a stunning, perfect performance of this icon of cinema. Chaplin is one… More
  Robert Downey jr. brings Charlie Chaplin to life in this near flawless biopic, Chaplin. Chaplin tells the story of the first Hollywood icon, Charlie Chaplin. Robert Downey jr. delivers as the famed actor. He gives a stunning, perfect performance of this icon of cinema. Chaplin is one of the best biopics I've seen in quite some time. There is a good mix of humor and drama in this story. The film recounts some of the greatest moments in Charlie Chaplin's life, such as his debut in silent films, the release of his legendary The Great Dictator and his welcomed return to Hollywood. Chaplin is a well crafted biopic that has superb performances. I thought that this was a terrific film, and I don't understand why the film has gotten so much criticism. I felt like this was a great film that really captured the essence of this troubled genius. This film is another example as to why film critics are wrong. Downey Jr's performance was flawless and he really delivered something special on-screen. You looked at him, and you saw Charlie Chaplin. If you're looking for a terrific biopic, Chaplin is the one. I've seen many films based on the lives of famous people, and Chaplin is one of the better biopics around. This is a brilliant film that really delivers something great for the viewer. I thoroughly enjoyed this film, and I'm sure every die-hard Charlie Chaplin fan will enjoy Robert Downey jr.'s performance as the Little Tramp. A wonderful picture.

• Phil H

  
  Not a huge success upon release and I'm not really sure why as this lavish epic is thoroughly interesting, charming and well made. Taken a from a point of narration by Chaplin during an interview with a fictional character played by Hopkins the film simply takes you through… More
  Not a huge success upon release and I'm not really sure why as this lavish epic is thoroughly interesting, charming and well made. Taken a from a point of narration by Chaplin during an interview with a fictional character played by Hopkins the film simply takes you through Chaplin's life from one event to another although with many gaps. I'm not completely up with the life of Charlie but I have read that the film does take artistic license with the truth and of course skips allot of history. This really can't be faulted as my personal view from someone who knows very little about his life is 'does that matter?' The film shows much of his upbringing from the dirty streets of Victorian London to his first jobs in the US, his breaking through into the business, becoming rich and world famous and his problems upon returning to the UK after the the first World War. Most of his big films are also covered in the bio and show just how much swing he had during his reign, the issue he had with controversial ideas and how his close friendships with top stars of the time like Doug Fairbanks helped him. The film looks excellent in every sense and every scene but clearly the main attraction is Downey Jr and his portrayal of Chaplin. Not only does he genuinely look like Charlie but he manages to mimic the moves, walk, facial expressions and even the comedic slapstick Charlie amazed us with in his movies. To watch Downey making the classic films within the main film you would actually think Chaplin was still alive today starring in his own bio, amazing work to get it right. Other cast members all add to the superb film both in their looks and portrayals, an amazing line up of known stars from both the US and the UK ranging from Dan Aykroyd to Diane Lane to John Thaw to Milla Jovovich. Kevin Kline is probably one of the better casting choices as he really does seem to belong in that kind of era, born at the wrong time methinks hehe and his lovely showcase as Fairbanks shows this. As with any film of this nature some sequences are maybe over the top and heavy handed to create that teary eyed emotion but I guess that is to be expected and required to a degree. Never the less a worthy film from Attenborough that has been forgotten and easily sits in the top twenty of all time bio pics.

• Jonathan H

  
  As a huge admirer of Charlie Chaplin, I had high hopes in finally seeing Richard Attenborough's controversial biopic about the comedic legend. The film definitely tries to cover as much ground as it can (It begins when Charlie is 5 in a London music hall and plows through the… More
  As a huge admirer of Charlie Chaplin, I had high hopes in finally seeing Richard Attenborough's controversial biopic about the comedic legend. The film definitely tries to cover as much ground as it can (It begins when Charlie is 5 in a London music hall and plows through the rest of his life, ending shortly before his death in Vevey, Switzerland, on Christmas Day 1977, at the age of 88) but in doing so abandons depth and development -- so much so that the film inevitably feels like a bunch of glossy broad strokes. Though slow of pace, it is so hurried that the best it can do to cover the material is to identify significant characters and eras and keep moving. That being said, Chaplin does feature two great surprises: The first is Robert Downey Jr. He is good and persuasive as the adult Charlie when the material allows, and close to brilliant when he does some of Charlie's early vaudeville and film sketches. His slapstick routines are graceful, witty and, most important, funny. The other surprise is Geraldine Chaplin, Chaplin's eldest child by his last wife, Oona O'Neill. She's splendid playing her own grandmother, Hannah Chaplin, whose slide into madness provides the movie with its only emotional weight. The film plays rather like the autobiography: windy, courtly, full of names and dates but never terribly revealing about either the film maker's life or his art. Sadly, if you're like me, and are pretty familiar with his life and work, you won't learn anything new or gain any new insight here. In view of the fact that the autobiography was harshly criticized for its superficiality, the narrative device employed by the screenplay is so idiotic as to seem self-destructive. The conceit used to introduce the film's flashbacks is to have the aging Charlie, while working on the book in Vevey, discussing the manuscript with his editor, a fictional character named George Hayden (Anthony Hopkins). It's as if George had already had a peek at the book's reviews. He's likely to say something like: "Charlie, you haven't told us much about your father. Why is that?" To which Charlie might say, "I didn't like him." End of topic. Or, "Tell me, Charlie, when did you actually start work on 'The Great Dictator'?," which serves to introduce a quick clip that demonstrates not much of anything. It's merely a reminder of what the audience is missing. At one point in the film, Downey says, "If you want to learn about me, watch my movies." Sadly, I'd probably give the same advice to anyone who was interested in watching this film. You'll learn more about him through watching his illustrious canon than you will watching this biopic -- and that, unfortunately, is an opportunity missed.

• Conner R

  
  If only the film-making behind Chaplin was as good as its performances, it would be a flawless masterpiece. As it stands, this is looks like a BBC original movie that had a truly weak budget. Thankfully, Robert Downey Jr. gives a tour de force that almost forgives any faults. He… More
  If only the film-making behind Chaplin was as good as its performances, it would be a flawless masterpiece. As it stands, this is looks like a BBC original movie that had a truly weak budget. Thankfully, Robert Downey Jr. gives a tour de force that almost forgives any faults. He out-Chaplins Charlie Chaplin, which sounds crazy, but it's true. The story really is well put together and isn't like most biopics. The fact that it's self reflective within the movie is really great. You truly get to see what Charlie Chaplin thought about himself and everyone else and how he wanted his story to be told.

• Spencer S

  
  A long winded account of Chaplin's life, that keeps everything in check, and Downey in the winning circle.

• James A

  
  With the help of Victor Von Doom's time machine Tony Stark goes back to 1993 and stars in a good biopic of Charlie Chaplin.

• Al S

  
  Robert Downey Jr. is absolutely unforgettable, a classic performance capturing the essence and creative genius of one of the most popular pop icons of the twentieth century. Kevin Kline is brilliant. A creative, charming, dazzling and incredible masterpiece of a film by Director, Sir… More
  Robert Downey Jr. is absolutely unforgettable, a classic performance capturing the essence and creative genius of one of the most popular pop icons of the twentieth century. Kevin Kline is brilliant. A creative, charming, dazzling and incredible masterpiece of a film by Director, Sir Richard Attenborough. It's truly moving, passionate, wonderfully funny and riveting. This is how a biographical film should be. A pleasant, wonderful and magnificent gem. It's extraordinary, utterly excellent and breathtaking. One of the greatest films ever made.

• Morgan S

  
  If you enjoyed Amadeus, I highly recommend this movie to you. It is along the same lines of telling a beautifly cafted story of a tourchered artist. Classic movies have always held a great part of my heart and I love to watch the recreation and the story behind so many of the great… More
  If you enjoyed Amadeus, I highly recommend this movie to you. It is along the same lines of telling a beautifly cafted story of a tourchered artist. Classic movies have always held a great part of my heart and I love to watch the recreation and the story behind so many of the great artist. Robert Downey Jr. is spectacular in the title role. Completely believable and hilarious. He aslo brings out Chaplins great emotions. This star studded castw was great together and as i said before, if you enjoy Amadeus, you will deffinetly love this movie.

• Anthony L

  
  A brilliant biography. Attenborough & Downey Jr bring Chaplin to life in this brutally honest adaption of his own autobiography. I particularly like Kline's Douglas Fairbanks in a supporting role.

• Arash X

  
  Weak & uninteresting

• Lorenzo v

  
  <i>"Everyone has a wild side. Even a legend."</i> A film about the troubled and controversial life of the master comedy filmmaker. <b><u>REVIEW</u></b> Even if you're not a Charlie Chaplin fan like me, this movie is still a… More
  <i>"Everyone has a wild side. Even a legend."</i> A film about the troubled and controversial life of the master comedy filmmaker. <b><u>REVIEW</u></b> Even if you're not a Charlie Chaplin fan like me, this movie is still a must-see for all avid movie goers out there. Directed by Lord Richard Attenborough, also the creator of another biopic-"Gandhi", Chaplin is a wonderful portrayal of an incredible icon, the highs and the lows, the triumphs and the failures. We take a special look into the life of one of Hollywood's most celebrated cultural pop icons and quite possibly one of the greatest comics of all time. While not really a masterpiece in any way as the film tends to jump around a bit from scene to scene, however, under the watchful eye of Attenborough, the film packs a neat punch and leaves a lasting impression to the audience. The technicals are also worth noting, from Sven Nykvist's mesmerizing Oscar nominated cinematography and John Barry's haunting and enchanting music score which was put to great effect in one of the film's highlights: the opening scene. Robert Downey Jr. gives the performance of a lifetime as Chaplin, his best performance to date I might add. He captured the essence of Chaplin down to the gait, accent and gestures. He completely disappeared into the role no matter what stage of life the character was in, from the young would-be entertainer from vaudeville, to the dashing and charming early 30's in Hollywood and old, fragile man in exile - he easily complimented Chaplin's quirkiness and joyous persona and all the while still creating a real human being on screen. Not only RDJ's best performance but also one of the most impressive performance of the 90's. An energetic Kevin Kline as Doug Fairbanks was a stand out among the supporting cast and the performances from the rest of the cast were very good indeed. The ending where Chaplin is being awarded with a lifetime achievement Oscar is hauntingly beautiful topped off with Downey's award winning tears and John Barry's alluring music, a great ending for a great film.

• Ken S

  
  Great film. Downey gives an incredible performance.

• Craig S

  
  <u><b>Directed by:</u> Richard Attenborough.</b> <u><b>Starring:</u> Robert Downey Jr, Geraldine Chaplin, Anthony Hopkins, Moira Kelly, Diane Lane, Dan Aykroyd, Marisa Tomei, Milla Jovovich.</b> Biographies of real life people made into… More
  <u><b>Directed by:</u> Richard Attenborough.</b> <u><b>Starring:</u> Robert Downey Jr, Geraldine Chaplin, Anthony Hopkins, Moira Kelly, Diane Lane, Dan Aykroyd, Marisa Tomei, Milla Jovovich.</b> Biographies of real life people made into films is certainly a tricky task, you have that weight on your shoulders of making it right. If your wanting to cover the person whole life, you have to think 'what is to be said', 'what aspects and eras of this person's life needs to be shown?', it isn't always a successful result and with Chaplin, it isn't the brilliance it could have been. The story follows the life of Charlie Chaplin, a comedy filmmaker full of ideas and charm. From his poor childhood in England growing up to the success and the troubles in Hollywood, this is the story through Charlie's eyes, as this film is based off his autobiographical book. I am going to stat the one problem first....the script. I have heard of a 4 hour cut of this film and I would love to see that, because that could be the masterpiece. The problem is that with the main characters life being so large, a lot is jammed into a 140 minute running time, the pacing is all over the place and any impact on the audience is lost, because we are never shown enough depth into this 'wild' man and those around him....I have heard the words 'clunky storytelling' from critics and that is about right. But thats where the problems stop, because Chaplin has a lot more to offer. I have only ever known Richard Attenborough as an actor, so seeing him in a directional role for the first time for me is impressive. Alongside brilliant set design and art direction, the film looks amazing and Richard is highly creative with certain points of the story, from capturing the performance superbly, down to the hilariously well sequenced references to Chaplin's style of film making. What shocked me was how poetic the score was, even if some insight of the character issn't as fulfilling as you would hope, the soulful layer of this score is amazing and adds a lot of emotional range. The acting ensemble is large and full of brilliance and I would spend pages covering them all, but the only man to mention is Robert Downey Jr. He deserves a standing ovation (and the Oscar he only got nominated for), every range and aspect of his character is tautly and brilliantly portrayed, from his charm, his presence, his body motions and even his accent, once you see Robert as Chaplin for 10 minutes, you are lost in his performance and forget its acting, he is outstanding, a forgotten gem. You could say the film is ultimately style over substance, with a large life to cover, the screenplay falls short with strange pacing and the lack of brilliance to make it just that....I hope for the 4 hour cut one day. But aside from that downfall with this version, Chaplin is a highly creative, charming and even emotional portrayal of Charlie Chaplin, thanks to Robert Downey Jr's perfect performance and Richard Attenborough's strong direction. A forgotten gem.

• jay n

  
  good but too long

• Dean M

  
  Robert Downey Jr is fantastic as the title role on his comedic acting that gives me memories of the real Charlie Chaplin's silent films. I'm a fan of silent-film comedian.

• Dillon L

  
  Attenborough tries accomplish what he did in Gandhi 10 years earlier, but falls flat. It tries too hard to make Chaplin's life seem dramatic, and it comes off as soapy. It's difficult to make a satisfying film that does justice to Chaplin's whole life. (Chaplin's… More
  Attenborough tries accomplish what he did in Gandhi 10 years earlier, but falls flat. It tries too hard to make Chaplin's life seem dramatic, and it comes off as soapy. It's difficult to make a satisfying film that does justice to Chaplin's whole life. (Chaplin's half-brother George Dryden, his mistress Georgia Hale, lover Edna Purviance and the death of his first child are not given their full weight if not completely omitted from mention) There's too few insights into his films, and the prosthetics on Downey's face in Chaplin's old age are dated. On the bright side, Downey does the best he can with what he has to work with and produces positive results.

• Cameron J

  
  The film lacks a really solid feel, but holds fine production value, good writing, a smooth pace and really boasts a superb performance from Downey, Jr. and stands as a truly engaging and powerfully interesting look at the classic comedic master at his highest and lowest. Ultimately,… More
  The film lacks a really solid feel, but holds fine production value, good writing, a smooth pace and really boasts a superb performance from Downey, Jr. and stands as a truly engaging and powerfully interesting look at the classic comedic master at his highest and lowest. Ultimately, when the curtains draw and the music dies, "Chaplin" takes its bow as an entertaining, fascinating and compelling translation of the story of the legend into what his passion has evolved into. It is a truly booming voice for the "Sire of the Silent Cenima".

• Theta S

  
  Told in retrospect through the plot device of the elderly Chaplin's conversations with the editor of his autobiography in Switzerland, 1963, Chaplin follows the life of Charlie Chaplin from his early career on the Vaudeville circuit in London, through to the establishment of his… More
  Told in retrospect through the plot device of the elderly Chaplin's conversations with the editor of his autobiography in Switzerland, 1963, Chaplin follows the life of Charlie Chaplin from his early career on the Vaudeville circuit in London, through to the establishment of his career in Hollywood with Mack Sennett and his rise to celebrity status. The film follows also Chaplin's lifestyle in the Hollywood glitterati alongside his contemporaries Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, his various romantic liaisons and his eventual exile from America. Alongside Ghandhi, Chaplin is one of Lord Attenborough's more well known bio-pics and with good reason. He captures the feel of Chaplin's life with an acute visual attention to detail, from the squalor of his childood in London, through the glamour of the Hollywood years and to the quiet solitude of his years in Switzerland. There's a school of thought where people think that a clown has to have an air of melancholy within him and Robert Downey Jr delivers an appropriate level of humour mixed with melancholy as Chaplin. He can be funny, he can be charming - but his portrayal shows the man behind the clown make up who has a need to be loved - whether it be by his friends, his audience or the various women he becomes attached to. Of the supporting cast, all of whom are excellent in their various roles as they move in and out of Charlie's life, the most memorable of these is Kevin Kline in his portrayal of Douglas Fairbanks. Kline captures the glamour of Hollywood's Golden Age with his devil may care attitude and over the top party boy attitude. The script is, on the main, a very good script. However, there are a couple of areas where there are areas which could have done with tightening up. Firstly, due the timeframe involved with the film - from the 1890's to the 1970's, some areas of the film can appear to be a little antiseptic and do not have the emotional punch that's really needed. Secondly, and this does appear to contradict what I have just said, but there are points where the film tries to use film related tricks to be "romantic" and artificially put in emotion - such as the scene where Charlie first selects his tramp costume and the scene where Charlie has to smuggle one of his films out so that it doesn't become an asset in a divorce litigation. That said, this is a very good film and a fitting tribute to one of the 20th Century's greatest movie icons.

• Hal M

  
  The great man deserved better. Slow moving, flat and lifeless. We never really come to care about these characters. I only graded it up to 50% as a reward for the ambition of the filmmakers and the importance of the subject matter. Will someone please make the definitive Chaplin… More
  The great man deserved better. Slow moving, flat and lifeless. We never really come to care about these characters. I only graded it up to 50% as a reward for the ambition of the filmmakers and the importance of the subject matter. Will someone please make the definitive Chaplin movie?

• Alec B

  
  See it for one reason: Robert Downey Jr's knockout performance.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings