A Satirical Analysis Of 'City Lights' By Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin directed and starred in his legendary film, City Lights. City Lights was released in 1931, four years after the release of the first film that included audible dialogue(_______________). However, the lack of dialogue did not hamper Chaplin's ability to produced one of the most infamous American comedies. A little over four decades later, another great comedy was produced by the famous comedy group Monty Pythons. The Monty Pythons were five British men, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, and American animator, Terry Gilliam(_______________). Monty Python and the Holy Grail was released in 1975 and has forever left its mark on comedy(_______________). When comparing the comedic aspects of Charlie

These concepts include the how the medium by which the comedy is portrayed in each film changed, along with the types of comedy used in each film, and how the views of what is and is not funny changed over time.

The medium by which the comedy within these movies is portrayed is almost as diverse as the movies themselves with City Lights full of visual comedy backed by music and Monty Python and the Holy Grail built upon audible comedy backed by actions. For the most part, the comedic moments within City Lights can be broken down into two categories, the first being dramatized movements and gestures and the second being absurd situations. There is nothing normal about the way the tramp, Charlie Chaplin, walks. From the way he waddles to any time that he falls, every movement the tramp makes is exaggerated to the point that it is comical. However, these dramatic gestures are the result of what is known as stage acting. Stage acting is different than screen acting because with stage acting the goal is to act and perform at a level that the person on the back row can understand what is going on. This

City Lights employs what is commonly called slapstick comedy Slapstick comedy can best be explained as a type of physical comedy that is characterized by absurd situations, vigorous and often violent actions, perfect timing, and broad humor (______BRITANNIA_______). While many other films and productions have been known for their use of slapstick comedy Charlie Chaplin's City Lights is one of the most highly influential and recognizable slapstick comedy based films produced in America. City Lights exemplifies slapstick comedy as the tramp finds himself in outrageous situations, like when he finds himself in a boxing ring up against a veteran boxer, along with times that are framed by perfect timing, like when the tramp is window shopping and just so happens to step backwards at the same time that a trap door opens up in the sidewalk (_______________). Monty Python and the Holy Grail incorporates a more satirical and sarcastic sense of humor. Monty Python and the Holy Grail managed to influence not only the British film world but also the American film industry with its ingenious use of sarcasm and mockery in their production of a historically hilarious movie (_______________). Satire is a true patriot of British comedy as it can be found in nearly all British comedies even to this day. Monty Python and the Holy Grail waste no time in poking