Frame study of "The Great Director by Charlie Chaplin"

Frame Study of The Great Dictator by Charlie Chaplin

∆∆Thinking Activity ∆∆

Understanding Zeitgeist of the 20th Century: From Modern Times to the era of Great Dictators

This blog is prepared as a part of a thinking activity to understand the Zeitgeist of the 20th Century: From Modern Times to the Era of Great Dictators. 

In this blog I am going to discuss major characteristics of the 20ty century and its emergence 'The Great Dictator'.

Introduction to the Film: 

The Great Dictator is a 1940 American anti-war political satire black comedy film written, directed, produced, scored by, and starring British comedian Charlie Chaplin, following the tradition of many of his other films. Having been the only Hollywood filmmaker to continue to make silent films well into the period of sound films, Chaplin made this his first true sound film.

In the film, scenes featuring Hynkel, the dictator, are narrated like a radio commentary. This style mimics real-life political broadcasts, satirizing the bombastic nature of leaders' speeches and their control over public perception through mass media.

For detailed reading of movie visit this page.

 

∆ The Great Dictator:

Here you find explanation of frames. 

1. World War :

This scene portrays a war-torn landscape, emphasizing a refuge in a cave as a haven from the chaos. The wooden structures act as a path to safety, while a colossal war weapon symbolizes the destructive force, power imbalance, and technological advancements in the conflict, highlighting the elevated threat level.

The image captures the aftermath of a blast, vividly portraying the havoc, wreckage, and instant repercussions of violence and conflict. It serves as a poignant symbol of the destructive toll war exacts on the surroundings and the lives of those affected.

The portrayal of individuals directing each other rather than working autonomously conveys a clear power imbalance. It signifies hierarchical or authoritative systems, where commands underscore a lack of independence and equality among participants. This dynamic reflects a scenario where figures of authority exert control over the actions and decisions of others.

The image, framed by fencing and depicting war scenes, symbolizes a separation between those in power and the harsh realities of conflict. It implies that a leader or authority figure remains distanced from the actual turmoil and struggles, highlighting a sense of detachment from the stark realities faced by individuals amidst the battles and chaos.

 2. Mobocracy and Dictatorial Democracy:

The scene, crowded with long lines of soldiers, is a powerful symbol of mass mobilization, unity, and the collective strength of a military force. It underscores the immense scale of manpower in warfare, highlighting the cohesion, discipline, and joint effort of soldiers working in unison toward a shared objective or mission.

3. Dictatorship:

The depiction of a dictator addressing the people is a potent symbol of authoritative control, manipulation of public opinion, and the consolidation of power under a single leader. It conveys the imposition of one individual's ideas, often indicating a lack of freedom, suppression of dissent, and the dominance of a singular narrative or ideology. A.C. Ward's insight into Dictatorial intellectualism underscores how emotionally unsusceptible youth can be easily manipulated by dictators, leading to attacks on dissenting voices. This repression results in Escapism among writers, prompting the creation of more complex and nuanced works, as seen in James Joyce's "Ulysses" and T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land."

The scene of a falling dictator from a staircase, despite its humorous aspect, symbolizes the downfall or loss of power of an authoritarian leader. It represents the collapse of a regime or the end of a period of control, indicating a shift in the balance of power and the potential for change or liberation from oppressive rule.

The scene illustrates a dictator attempting to portray innocence, a tactic often employed throughout history. The tradition of leaders posing with children, dating back to ancient times, persists in the modern world. Politicians, including dictators, use such photos to convey a supposed concern for children's welfare, despite the young ones possibly not fully understanding the circumstances. This enduring practice in the 21st century reflects the ongoing tradition of showcasing a connection with children, passed down through generations of leaders.

In this frame the shop with a hateful inscription "Jew" symbolizes anti-Semitism and discrimination. It signifies the historical persecution, prejudice, and bigotry faced by Jewish communities. This imagery represents the manifestation of hatred and intolerance towards a specific group based on their religious or ethnic identity.

The portrayal of police attacking a Jewish person from all sides is a poignant symbol of systemic oppression, discrimination, and persecution endured by specific communities. It signifies the misuse of power and the victimization of individuals based on their ethnicity or beliefs. This visual narrative underscores instances of historical or contemporary injustice, violence, and the disproportionate application of force against marginalized groups.

This frame is showing large dictatorial house of Hynkel. He is tiny creature among concrete walls with sign. 

 This frame is showing exhibitionism. He doesn't value artists and believed in advertisement.

The frames depict the behind-the-scenes reality of a treaty. The camera captures various facets of the leader: publicly authoritative, yet privately engaged in childish squabbles driven by personal greed for power, fighting amidst food. Meanwhile, soldiers are depicted engaged in battles on the border.

The image illustrates the wartime era when a propagandist faction wielded considerable power worldwide, molding narratives and steering information on a global level. It underscores the pervasive control this party exerted, shaping perceptions and dictating the discourse during that historical period.

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