Modern Times-Oliver

Modern Times was by any measure an interesting movie experience, produced during a very small window in the film industry when both silent and "talkie" films were if not equally viable, could still succeed financially. The film industry had initiated the transition to sound films a decade earlier, and there had already been multiple talkie's that were financially successful before the release of Modern Times, and in fact upon it's release Chaplin garnered an excess of criticism for sticking with the silent film format in face of popular trends.
Regardless, Modern Times remains one of his most popular films, and a monument to his legacy. Between the screenplay, the acting, and the editing there is not a single element that leaves itself open to criticism. Perhaps especially significant for a silent film was Modern Times expert use of sound. During the factory scenes you can hear machines humming, the clank and crunch of men working on the line, and the bell calling workers to attention. I think that the separation between sound and scene inherent to silent films adds a layer of quality to the work missing in modern movies. Every noise has a purpose, being that they were each added intentionally, and each stands out crisp and clear without any background pollution.
Though I prefer modern film with full audio to Chaplin's style I wonder if perhaps every filmmaker should be forced to shoot at least one work in silent. I think that the benefits to sound film eclipse any upsides to the silent method, but the skill Chaplin showed in overcoming the flaws of the form was exceptional, and modern films could learn from it. His ability to establish the Tramp's personality and character even without dialogue is astounding. With only body language, facial expression, and the occasional written line Chaplin establishes an incredibly strong impression of the Tramp's personality in the viewer's mind.
Overall I quite liked Modern Times, I was as amused by it as I think is possible for a silent film to someone raised on Hollywood's modern production techniques, and I fully appreciate the skill and quality it represents for the time. Charlie Chaplin was undeniably one of the early titans of the film industry, and the film that was arguably his greatest achievement showcases his skills as both an actor and filmmaker admirably. The Little Tramp is hilarious in every context, and will remain so for a long, long time.