The Circus

2012-64576

Comm II Section 2

Reaction Paper

The Circus

“The Circus” is one of those “Laugh-Out-Loud Funny” movies I have seen. I enjoyed it a lot, even though I have not seen it all. It definitely sparked my interest since it’s my first time to watch a very timeworn and Charlie Chaplin movie. Not only did it draw my attention because of the storyline, but also because of how it was being shown.

“Mistaking him as a pickpocket, The Tramp finds himself at a circus where he promptly gets chased around by the police. Running into the big top, he is an accidental sensation with his hilarious efforts to escape the police. The cruel ringmaster/owner of the circus immediately hires him, but discovers the Tramp cannot be funny on purpose, so he takes advantage of the situation by making the Tramp a janitor who just happens to be always in the Big top at show time. Unaware of this exploitation, the Tramp falls for the owner's lovely acrobatic daughter, who is abused by her father. His chances seem good, until a dashing rival comes in and Charlie’s feels he has to compete with him. ”

First thing I noticed was that it’s a silent film. There was nothing to be heard except all the music effects. Based on my experience throughout the span of watching the film, I think it really encourages the viewers to set attention or to observe carefully every character’s movements or actions and their expressions during their conversations. A movement here and a movement there give you a complete sentence or even a paragraph. Another action, gives you happiness, sadness or hope. It is done so well that there is never the slightest doubt as to the meaning the film wishes to express.

Another, the film was presented in black and white. I have noticed that there are a few scenes when my eyes kind of hurt while watching. Maybe it’s because of too much brightness or darkness. But all in all, the gray-white tones somewhat added to the drama effect the film wishes to pursue.

The film is so filled...