The Gold Rush (1925)

THE GOLD RUSH

Relate class discussion/text to screening:

     The Gold Rush relates to what we discussed in class because we discussed both the genre of Comedy alongside with Charlie Chaplin and his career. When we discussed comedies, we discussed how Keystone Co. Films would film at a slower speed and show the scenes faster so it would seem funnier to the audience. Chaplin was the highest paid actor at the time. Chaplin created a character for himself, the Tramp, which would help him use comedy to make a point. This all relates to Chaplin in The Gold Rush because he used the Tramp to make jokes about them being stuck in the cabin, starving. Chaplin was also considered an "Auteur Director", to which he wrote, starred, directed, and produced his films; like he did in the The Gold Rush.

Related article:

     An article that discusses the film is from IMDb that discusses the plot, characters and ratings. The website states how the movie received a overall rating of 8.3 out of 10 from almost 16,000 users. The website also states how the film is about a prospector, Chaplin, who travels to Klondike in the search for gold. However, whilst on his journey, he finds more than just gold. The website also mentions how Chaplin wrote, produced, and starred in the film.  ("The Gold Rush (1925)", http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0015864/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Apply the article to the film:

     The website did not change my views on and thoughts of the film. I would be agree with the users giving the film such a high rating. The film displayed Chaplin's talent and the way that he produced, wrote, directed, and starred in his own films. His iconic mustache also portrays Chaplin's character of "the Tramp" that helped him discuss the social issues. The website providing all of the information including budget, actors, storyline, and success gives future viewers a slight insight on the film if they were not provided with an overview of Chaplin, "The Gold Rush", or silent comedies.

Critical Analysis:

     Overall, I enjoyed the film and it's contributions to the time period. Chaplin was able to portray comedy without vocalizing it. He also was able to smooth out the techniques that Griffith used. I also like how Chaplin would use his character and films to address social issues in a comical way. Chaplin was known for what he did on film and that, to me, is extremely important that he was able to make an impact without saying it and just showing it in actions and a few texts throughout the film. 

Checklist for plagiarism:

1) ( x ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class. 



2) ( x ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly explain that in the paper.

3) ( x ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used indentation and citation within the text. 



4) ( x ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in the text of the paper. 



5) ( x ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read. 



6) ( x ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography. 



7) ( x ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality. 



8) ( x ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research and ideas used in my paper.