Freshly-minted “A-list” star Robert Downey Jr., who put all of his pre-troubles talent on display in 1992's Chaplin, is still the best reason to see Sir Richard Attenborough's charming and effective biography of the great comic star and director in American cinema's silent era. Beginning with Chaplin's English childhood in music halls, the film follows his success in America, commercial defeat, various marriages, friendships, persecution by the U.S. government, self-exile, and inner peace in old age. A huge supporting cast are on hand to portray Chaplin's allies, friends, lovers, and enemies, including Moira Kelly as his longtime (and final) wife Oona, Kevin Kline as Douglas Fairbanks, Geraldine Chaplin (Chaplin's real-life daughter) as Chaplin's mother, and James Woods as a prosecutor working hard to imprison Chaplin for so-called anti-American sentiments. Attenborough tells this story in a creative, non-linear manner, employing a number of clever techniques (such as detailing one chapter in Chaplin's life as a silent comedy). The climactic scene, which is set backstage at the early-1970s Oscar tribute to Chaplin, is deeply moving (especially if one remembers the original broadcast). DVD extras for this handsome “15th anniversary edition” include three featurettes—a brief retrospective look at the film and its star, a profile of Chaplin, and a piece on the comic's famed Little Tramp character—as well as a Chaplin home movie. Highly recommended. (T. Keogh)[Blu-ray Review—Feb. 15, 2011—Lionsgate, 135 min., PG-13, $19.99—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1992's Chaplin features a solid transfer and a DTS-HD soundtrack. Blu-ray extras are identical to the previous DVD release, including the behind-the-scenes featurette “Strolling Into the Sunset” (8 min.), background featurettes “Chaplin the Hero” (6 min.) and “The Most Famous Man in the World” (6 min.), excerpt from the Chaplin home movie “All at Sea” (3 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a fine Blu-ray debut for a winning film.]
Chaplin: 15th Anniversary Edition
Lionsgate, 135 min., PG-13, DVD: $19.98 November 24, 2008
Chaplin: 15th Anniversary Edition
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