Modern Times Philosophical Analysis - 2393 Words

Modern Times – Reflection The movie Modern Times by Charles Chaplin is a critique of the social structure of his time. This prominent critic is one of Chaplin most famous work and can be well adapted to current days. Many of the critics presented in Chaplin work can be linked to existentialist themes and in more deep form to Nietzsche philosophical arguments. This paper establish such connection in a macro level, taking in account the possible meaning of the entire movie and in a micro level by establishing the connection of existential themes with specific passages of the movie. Nietzsche will be the central point of comparison but when appropriate other existential themes will be presented, in order to reinforce understanding. The†¦show more content†¦Chaplin personality is now the personality of the machine, his body reflects the movement of the machine. His personality is determined by nothing more than the machine. From this perspective humanity is not being affirmed, individuality is not being affirmed as the system of his time is destroying individual personalities. By moving like the machine Chaplin is then considered mad. This can be seen as an irony. Chaplin was living what the system of his time made him to live, he was perfect being the extension of the machine. How could him be considered mad? What is the judgment to determine what madness is, one would question? It is seems that what do not serve productivity is madness. Chaplin could not perform his job with the proficiency of other men, his motors forces were uncontrollable and now he could be productive. This passage deliveries the message that when one cannot live for his work, what is considered the only way of living, he is considered mad. Even when he is affirming, a personality that he was forced to, he is considered mad. If not living for the standards of society is madness, one can never affirm his live completely without being considered mad. Notice that when he leaves the hospital the doctor tells him to avoid excitement. In other words he is required to avoid pleasure in life , if he wants to be free of madness. Once again, this irony brings the idea of affirmation of one’s personality. By chance,Show MoreRelated20th Century Philosophy1064 Words   |  5 Pagesweek’s paper we were to research and identify three prevailing philosophical perspectives at work during the 20th Century. To begin I will research the history of a few new tendencies in contemporary philosophy. Then I will discuss the Tom Rockmore interpretation of such tendencies. 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