Understanding the Zeitgeist of the 20th century: From Modern Times to the era of Great Dictators

 Understanding the Zeitgeist of the 20th century: From Modern Times to the era of Great Dictators

Introduction :-

This task is based on the thinking activity and also based on tha frame learning from the 'Charlie Chaplin in Modern Times' and 'The Great Dictator'. It must be a great response to the setting of the 20th century. Charlie Chaplin in "Modern Times" this movie spread the good concept of the industrialization, dehumanising, and many more things. The Modern Times (1936) The film was released during the Great Depression and at the height of industrialization. It was a period of economic hardship, high unemployment rates, and rapid technological advancements. Charlie Chaplin covered up the every aspects during that time situation and very good way he showed to the audience. "The Modern Times" movie explores themes of dehumanization, social injustice, exploitation, and the impact of modernization on society. Chaplin's character, the Tramp, represents the common man facing the challenges of the industrialized era. Here we can discuss the great frames of this film through the context of the setting of the 20th century.

Background of the 20th century setting :-

The 20th century was a time of big changes! It saw incredible inventions like cars, planes, CCTV and computers. People also had tough times, like the Great Depression, when many lost their jobs and money. There were two big world wars, which caused a lot of destruction and changed how countries worked together. People fought for equal rights, like women getting the right to vote, and there were big leaps in science and technology that changed how we live today. In such ways it was a century full of both progress and challenges for the world. It was a period of great technology and knowledge. 

Now let's discuss in detail...

★ The Modern Times (1936)

This film represents the ideas of the setting of the 20th century. In this film we can see that the concepts of the great industrial revolution, dehumanising, unemployment and many more huge concepts. The concept of unemployment was the most prominent matter during that time. Charlie Chaplin covered the good aspect of the points.

The concept of tramp :-

In this film we can see that the tramp of human. Comparison of human mindset with animal and their walking and setting. It's shaws that the context of working class people.

In "Modern Times," Charlie Chaplin plays a character called the Tramp. He's a funny and kind person who always wears a hat, a small mustache, and big shoes. The Tramp is just like a regular person trying to make a living, but he faces lots of funny situations and problems, especially at work. He shows us how life can be tricky sometimes but also teaches us to keep going and find happiness even in tough times. The Tramp is like a friend who makes us laugh and think about life.

➣ Mechanization and Dehumanization :-

The film portrays the impact of industrialization on individuals, showcasing how factory workers are treated as mere cogs in the machine. Chaplin's character undergoes various challenges and mishaps while working on an assembly line, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of modern technology on the workforce.

➣ The Concept of Unemployment :-

In "Modern Times," Charlie Chaplin shows how tough it was for people to find and keep jobs during a time when many were out of work. The movie highlights how machines and new ways of doing things in factories made it hard for some workers to keep their jobs. Chaplin's character faces lots of challenges and funny mishaps while trying to work in a factory. It makes us think about how tricky it was for people to find work during that time, especially when machines were taking over some jobs and causing unemployment for many folks. It's a critical situation during the unemployment problem. The progress was stopped and at the end no money, no work to do, nothing more to explore. 

During this type of situation people always liked and want to lived in the prison or jail. They think jail is better than the open life. Jail provided the basic necessities of human life like food, place to live, and many more things. Jail was the better option to live and fulfill hunger by the food.

➣ Critique of Capitalism and Mass Production :-

Chaplin uses humor and satire to critique the relentless pursuit of profit and the exploitative nature of capitalism. The film humorously depicts the absurdity of mass production, with scenes showcasing the Tramp's struggles to keep up with the pace of the assembly line. In this film Charlie Chaplin spread a good thought of capitalism and mass production in a very humours way.

Hope and Resilience :-

In the above photo we can see that the way of hope and new chapter of life. The way is connected with mountains and it shaws that the higher hope of life. Despite the challenges, the film also portrays themes of hope and resilience. Chaplin's character remains optimistic and retains his humanity, finding moments of joy and connection amidst the hardships. The film emphasizes the importance of human connection and empathy in an increasingly mechanized world.

conclusion :-

This movie share messages about the struggles and challenges of the 20th century, showing the importance of kindness, resilience, and the problems faced by regular folks in an ever-changing world. It's shaws that the development of new technology and knowledge. Both the movies shows that the concepts and context of the great challenges faced by human and development in society and working class people.

Movie link, if you want to watch "Charlie Chaplin in Modern Times" movie so click this link...

1. "Charlie Chaplin in Modern Times" Click Here