Chaplin (PG-13)
Bio of comic legend falls short of greatness.
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Seen the movie?
Movie details
- Studio: Lions Gate Entertainment
- Directed By: Richard Attenborough
- Cast: Kevin Kline, Penelope Ann Miller, Robert Downey, Jr.
- Running Time: 135 minutes
- Release Date: 10/16/1993
- Video/DVD Release Date: 10/14/2008
- Genre: Drama
- MPAA Rating: PG-13
- MPAA Explanation: nudity and language
Parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie based on Chaplin's autobiography focuses on the great comic's life events, rather than his talent. Some aspects of his life are sad and disturbing, such as his mother's devolution into madness. Expect non-sexual female nudity and social drinking, plus references to women as "bitches," reflecting the inequality of the time.
Families can talk about what it means to be famous. How did Charlie's life change from his days in London to those in Hollywood? How did the public react when he expressed his political views? Was he unfairly targeted? How did he use humor to raise awareness? How is that done today?
Families can talk about what it means to be famous. How did Charlie's life change from his days in London to those in Hollywood? How did the public react when he expressed his political views? Was he unfairly targeted? How did he use humor to raise awareness? How is that done today?
Message
Social Behavior:
Charlie's relationship with women is not always healthy. He seeks underage or younger women to consort with, though he usually ends up marrying them.
Consumerism:
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
Some drinking of champagne and scotch in ballroom situations.
Violence
Sex
Some nudity: women getting into costume before going on stage are in various states of undress, plus a brief full-body female nude shot before bed.
Language
"Bitch" and "ass" used with moderate frequency.
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by Joly Herman
This sweeping biopic follows the great comedic figure's life as told by an elderly Chaplin (Robert Downey Jr.) to the editor of his autobiography (Anthony Hopkins). Eventually making his way to America, using his pratfalls and vaudeville comedic acts to impress producers, viewers see how Charlie Chaplin became the world's biggest star before he reached 30 years of age. But as he ages in the movie, Chaplin is haunted by the feeling that his work was never truly worthwhile. When he sticks his neck out politically, making a spoof of Adolf Hitler in The Great Dictator, he catches the unwanted attention of the head of the FBI, J. Edgar Hoover (Kevin Dunn), who eventually engineered the artist's exile.
Is it any good?
Though Robert Downey Jr.'s age-defying portrayal of the comic genius is spot-on, the overall movie meanders vaguely through the actor's life. Scenes depicting the depression years and Chaplin's return to London border on schmaltz. But the last scene, where an elderly Chaplin accepts an honorary Academy Award, ends the movie with dignity. See this one if you are a fan of Robert Downey Jr., but if you like Charlie Chaplin, you might prefer seeing his own movies instead.
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