What was America like in the 1930s?
The economic crisis in the history books, the layoffs of workers, the growth of unions... These words, which are far from our lived experience, are presented in a comedy way in this film. Using his own unique expression, Chaplin turned himself into a very dramatic clown character, reproducing the fate of ordinary people in that era. On the one hand, there is the still elegant way of life of the upper class: high-end shopping malls, coffee shops, independent houses;
If Dickens used his novels to awaken the kindness in the readers' hearts, then Chaplin used comedy and amusing ways to make people reflect on the ugliness of capitalists after laughing. This kind of reflection is hidden behind the joy, and it is a force that does not let people lose hope. Just like the end of the film, Chaplin and the vagabond were on the road leading to the unknown. Although the road ahead is unknown, it is still full of smile. For Americans of that era, watching Chaplin's films can also give them hope again!
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