1) Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.
Charlie Chaplin is one of the main characters in The Gold Rush which is a silent film made in 1925.
Charlie Chaplin also known as Charles Chaplin played the role as a tramp, the outsider, who went on a quest looking for gold but runs into characters The Black Larson, Big Jim McKay, and Georgia who he falls in love with. Throughout this film Chaplin, the tramp, tries to prove himself to earn respect and
acceptance from others.
2)
Find a related article (on
the film, director, studio, actor/actress, artistic content, etc.) You can use the
library or the internet. Cite the article or copy the url to your journal
entry. Summarize in your own words the related article but do not plagiarize
any content.
Charles Chaplin was born in April 1889 in London, England. His parents Charles Sr. and Hannah Chaplin, were both musical performers. Soon after Charles Sr. left his family to perform in New York City, Hannah's career went downhill. During the moment of Hannah's performance going down the drain, little five-year-old Chaplin was spotted on stage as he began to wow the crowd singing a popular song. Chaplin's mother, Hannah soon went insane and was sent to an insane asylum in 1903, throughout this time Chaplin spent most of his life in and out of orphanages and workhomes. In 1921 Chaplin moved to California, where he became Hollywood's icon through the silent film era. In Hollywood he became famous behind the camera and in front of the camera as well. On camera he portrayed a character known as the 'Tramp' who's known by his funny walk, cane, his Hitler shaped mustache, and usually the outcast from the rest of the crowd.
3)
Relate the article to the screening.
The article correlates to the film by explaining Charlie Chaplin's upbringing. From the minute he was born into a family of performers he was destined for stardom. Chaplin's past explains why his character as the 'Tramp' is used in all his films. Growing up he was the underdog and less fortunate than most; however, at the end of most films he overcomes the 'Tramp' character coming out on top on camera and off camera.
4) Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article. I am less interested in whether you liked or disliked a film, (although that can be part of this) than I am in your understanding of its place in film history or the contributions of the director.
Although The Gold Rush is a silent film, through text and visuals your able to flow the movie from beginning to end. Throughout Chaplin's journey for gold you follow his journey as he conquers harsh winter weather in search of gold, hunger, and love. Despite the compelling situations he was in, Chaplin managed to make light of any situation by adding comedy.
