Frame Study of The Modern Times by Charlie Chaplin

 The Modern Times by Charlie Chaplin

Zeitgeist of the Time: Modern Times and The Great Dictator. This blog is prepared as a part of a thinking activity assigned to understand the Zeitgeist of the 20th Century: From Modern Times to the Era of Great Dictators. In this blog I am going to discuss major characteristics of the 20ty century and its emergence in the two most famous films of Charlie Chaplin, 'Modern Times' and 'The Great Dictator'. 

Teacher's Blog : Visit this page for background reading.

Introduction of The Modern Times : 

The Modern Times is a 1936 film by Charlie Chaplin, celebrated as a timeless masterpiece that explores the challenges and consequences of industrialization on human life. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression.  Through the character of the iconic Little Tramp, Chaplin portrays the struggles of the working class, highlighting themes of alienation, exploitation, and resilience.

Brief Information of 20th Century : 

The 20th century, from 1901 to 2000, was a time of great change and progress in the world. It saw two major wars, World War I and World War II, which changed countries and shaped modern history. Technology advanced rapidly, bringing inventions like cars, airplanes, computers, and the Internet, as well as space exploration. People fought for freedom and equality through movements.

What is Frame Study ?

Frame study is the analysis of how information, visuals, or narratives are structured and presented to influence understanding or perception. It examines what is included, emphasized, or omitted in a frame—whether in media, language, social contexts, or visual storytelling—to uncover hidden messages, biases, or meanings.

 1. A Tramp : 

The Tramp character, famously portrayed by Charlie Chaplin, appears in Modern Times (1936) as a hapless but endearing figure navigating the struggles of industrialized society. The character is emblematic of the working-class plight during the Great Depression, facing challenges such as dehumanizing factory work, unemployment, and poverty. The character's journey highlights themes of labor exploitation, economic hardship, and the quest for dignity.

2. Herd Mentality : 

In this movie we can find the herd mentality, is depicted through the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and societal conformity. Workers on the assembly line are reduced to robotic roles, highlighting how mass production strips away individuality. The Tramp’s accidental involvement in protests illustrates how mobs often act without understanding, driven by collective emotion.

3. Unemployment : 

In Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times, unemployment is a central theme that highlights the hardships of the Great Depression. The Tramp, struggling to make ends meet, experiences job insecurity and the harsh realities of an industrialized society. His dismissal from the factory after failing to keep up with the fast-paced assembly line symbolizes the vulnerability of workers during times of economic instability.

In such situations, people are inclined to see confinement, like prison, as a preferable option. The idea arises from the belief that jail provides essential human needs such as food and shelter, especially when the open life offers little in terms of work and sustenance. It becomes a thought-provoking exploration of tough times and the unexpected choices people consider when faced with economic hardships.

4. Mechanization and Dehumanization :

"Modern Times" shows how factories change people's lives. It talks about workers treated like machine parts. Charlie Chaplin's character has many problems on an assembly line, showing how machines make work less human. The film talks about the hard times and mistakes of workers, showing how machines take away their humanity. Chaplin's acting shows how progress hurts people, telling a sad story about how modern life makes us less human. The story uses funny and sad moments to tell about the struggles of people in a world that always moves forward with machines.

5. End : 

In this image, a path winds through the mountains, symbolizing a journey toward hope and a new chapter in life. The mountains represent big dreams, even in tough times, much like in Modern Times. Charlie Chaplin’s character remains positive and kind, finding joy and connection despite hardships. The film highlights the importance of caring for one another in a world dominated by machines. By using the image of a mountain path, Modern Times shows that people continue to strive for higher goals, demonstrating our strength and optimism, even in the face of challenges. It’s a moving story about perseverance, no matter the obstacles.

Thank You.