The Gold Rush

The Gold Rush is a silent comedy from 1925. It is the perfect example of how great silent films from over eighty years ago can be. For, The Gold Rush is so effective a film on so many levels, that one cannot help but grin. It breaks two misconceptions: the first that silent films are boring, and the second that silent films are silent. For, the film is rife with colorful classical music that accentuates that pathos within Charlie Chaplin's film. It tells of Chaplin's usual character: The Tramp, as he treks to Alaska for the gold rush. He falls in love, but is often used as a cheap joke by the woman he loves. There's such a sadness to this character. He hopes, and his ideals are often broken down. However, through the ridiculous things that happen to the character, the audience grows sympathy for Chaplin. The film brims with wit, and effectively pulls at a variety of emotion. It's not the greatest Chaplin film, but it's a good introduction to him.
The Gold Rush: ★★★★