![]() The pairing is usually the most memorable part of this production to most, but the story and the deep emotional part that Chaplin plays are the things that make "Limelight" quite possibly Chaplin's greatest cinematic masterpiece. Chaplin's long-time rival in real-life (Buster Keaton) even shows up late and acts as a partner in the duo's stage routine. This is a stunning work that once again shows the humanity and overall sensitivity that Chaplin had with his movies. In many ways Chaplin was trying to show the viewing public his life in celluloid form and "Limelight" would be the vehicle used. ![]() The Little Tramp was no more, all movies had sound, some films were being made in color and the subject matter of motion pictures was slowly starting to change. Chaplin's life and career had changed dramatically by 1952. "Limelight" is one of the most dramatic and intense pictures I have ever encountered. Soon it becomes obvious that Chaplin's time is running out and his desperation to have that one last piece of action engulfs his mind, body, heart and soul. Chaplin has a dream of a stunning performance he has on the stage, but when his act ends there is no one there to acknowledge him (one of, if not the saddest sequences I have ever seen on film). He tries with all his might to get her performance-ready again, all the while he is also trying to resurrect the career that he lost long ago. Naturally Chaplin cannot believe that this young, beautiful and talented woman would rather take her life than be a ballet performer (the fact that Chaplin yearns for her youth and the ability to be an entertainer again makes him bound and determined to get her back on her feet). Chaplin discovers a very young ballet dancer (Claire Bloom) who has attempted suicide because she cannot handle being a performer. He is now an elderly man (in his 60s when the film was made) and the spotlight is gone forever, even though he still secretly yearns for it. Chaplin stars as a washed-up vaudeville performer. soil and did not re-surface until some 20 years later in 1972 and Chaplin actually won an Oscar, with fellow scorers Raymond Rasch and Larry Russell, for this movie's original dramatic score (this was the only competitive Oscar Chaplin ever won). in 1952 and was never shown in Los Angeles due to the suspicion that the House of Un-American Acts Committee had concerning Chaplin (making no sense to me as Chaplin, who was British, was the polar opposite of a Communist from all indications). It played in very few cities within the U.S. On the other hand his films that flopped include ‘The General’, although considered his masterpiece, and ‘Sergeant Deadhead’ (1965) among others.Haunting and unforgettable piece from Charles Chaplin that was nearly lost in the American cinema all together. He thrived with starring roles in films like ‘The Playhouse’ (1921), ‘Sherlock Jr.’, ‘The Cameraman’ in featured and cameo roles in films like ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ (1956) and ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’ (1966). However the veteran artist revived his career later as a comedian. He lost artistic freedom witnessing a downfall in career after he was hired by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Battling Butler (1926) - (Movie Clip) Go Out And Rough It Opening with his parents and valet (Snitz Edwards), director Buster Keaton is affluent milquetoast Alfred Butler, who agrees that camping might toughen him up, in Battling Butler, 1926, produced Joseph Schenck, distributed by Metro-Goldwyn, exteriors shot at the Talmadge on Wilshire. ![]() Best known for his silent films Keaton directed, produced and acted in several notable ones like ‘Sherlock Jr.’ (1924), ‘The General’ (1926), and ‘The Cameraman’ (1928).Ī virtuoso in his own right, who made lasting impression in the world of cinema in a career spanning several decades, Keaton had to also taste the bitter part of showbiz. All films directed by Buster Keaton and Eddie Cline unless otherwise noted. He went on to garner immense popularity earning the epithet "The Great Stone Face" for his physical comedy that became his trademark. Academy Honorary Award winning famous yesteryear American actor, comedian, filmmaker, screenwriter, and stunt performer Buster Keaton began his journey in the entertainment industry as a child artist.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |