The Real Charlie Chaplin

Less of a documentary and more of a peek behind the curtain at the marvellous mind of one of history’s greatest entertainers, The Real Charlie Chaplin shines a gentle spotlight on the actor’s illustrious career. The film journeys through the life and movie industry achievements of the first world-renowned “A-list” celebrity, from exceptionally humble beginnings as a Lambeth workhouse child to the arduous production of some of his most acclaimed works. It ventures behind the eyes of the performer and asks thought-provoking questions: can Chaplin and his most famous character, “The Tramp”, coexist? Does one survive without the other? What happens when one of them ceases to resonate with the audience?

Directors Peter Middleton and James Spinney present a beautiful documentary that respectfully depicts the importance of his role in so many people’s lives during an eventful period in history, making the most of the gold rush of Hollywood, entertaining through two world wars and bringing joy to millions.

This is not a film of talking heads. Instead, it is compiled almost entirely from archive footage consisting of interviews, movie sequences and stills, interjected only by a few re-enactments, with original audio dubbed over them. Through these first-hand accounts, the viewer begins to understand Chaplin’s rags-to-riches story, but also learns that this ride did not happen without the company of demons along the way. 

A true artist, we see Chaplin painstakingly go over every little detail in his search for cinematic perfection (much to the displeasure of some of his cast and crew) – but more than this, The Real Charlie Chaplin tackles his complicated personal life, delving deeper and looking at his relationships with his four wives. Accused of being a serial adulterer, a cheat and a scoundrel, the icon’s rise to fame and fall from glory becomes all too real as the narrative begins to take a shocking turn and dark undertones that have rung throughout begin to twist the fate of the star.

There is a sadness that swallows the final act as Chaplin begins to be hounded by the media and the American government for his political views, but, through scrupulous attention to detail, Middleton and Spinney reveal the symbolism and symmetry of moments in his life that reflect directly in his work, much to the amazement of the viewer. This fascinating take on the artist’s life is well worth the 114-minute duration and presents itself as the best Chaplin documentary to date.

Guy Lambert

The Real Charlie Chaplin is released digitally on demand on 18^th February 2022.

Watch the trailer for The Real Charlie Chaplin here: