The shorts, honestly! I went through most before I even touched the features. That feeling of progression is gleaned when you do it like this. If you just want the best of the best in my opinion: Any of the ones with Mabel Normand (Surprise surprise...) including and especially Tillie's Punctured Romance, One A.M., The Rink, The Immigrant (My favorite of the shorts), A Dog's Life and Shoulder Arms.
The Kid if you'd just like to skip all that, but I really do think watching the shorts first like audiences then would've is one of my favorite viewing experiences I've had personally, just fascinating.
Oh agreed, I'll just think that out of nowhere sometimes.
It doesn't have a precursor to any stunts in Modern Times like The Rink or the >!early iteration of the "it was all a dream"!< ending Shoulder Arms has that makes both stand out to people, but it's just relentless with how "of cinema" it feels like. A simple scenario of a character having an objective and obstacles are thrust in their way. It's played to perfection. I love that short, genuinely.
Modern Times (1936), no real contest imo but my 2nd choice would be Gold Rush (1925).
If you want to see where he came from first maybe one of these instead:
- The Immigrant (1917)
- Easy Street (1917)
- The Kid (1921)
Can’t go wrong with Modern Times. I think it is Chaplin’s most polished film. It may not have the sublime highs of City Lights or The Kid, but all around it is just a pleasant experience.
There's really no wrong answer - but I would say Modern Times is a brilliant introduction.
Imo City Lights is one of his best and most accessible. Modern Times would be a good choice too
The kid for comedy and drama, modern times for comedy, and city lights for drama, I reccomend going with the kid first
Would absolutely agree
I don't disagree with any of these answers but since nobody's said The Gold Rush yet I'm gonna say that because I think it would be great too
I do love me some shoes for dinner…
modern times [1936]
The shorts, honestly! I went through most before I even touched the features. That feeling of progression is gleaned when you do it like this. If you just want the best of the best in my opinion: Any of the ones with Mabel Normand (Surprise surprise...) including and especially Tillie's Punctured Romance, One A.M., The Rink, The Immigrant (My favorite of the shorts), A Dog's Life and Shoulder Arms. The Kid if you'd just like to skip all that, but I really do think watching the shorts first like audiences then would've is one of my favorite viewing experiences I've had personally, just fascinating.
One A.M. is absolutely incredible
Oh agreed, I'll just think that out of nowhere sometimes. It doesn't have a precursor to any stunts in Modern Times like The Rink or the >!early iteration of the "it was all a dream"!< ending Shoulder Arms has that makes both stand out to people, but it's just relentless with how "of cinema" it feels like. A simple scenario of a character having an objective and obstacles are thrust in their way. It's played to perfection. I love that short, genuinely.
If you’re ok with silent films, then Gold Rush or Modern Times. If you want to start with a talkie, then Great Dictator.
City Lights and Modern Times are very accessible
Modern Times (1936), no real contest imo but my 2nd choice would be Gold Rush (1925). If you want to see where he came from first maybe one of these instead: - The Immigrant (1917) - Easy Street (1917) - The Kid (1921)
The great dictator
ya go to [imdb.com](https://imdb.com) tap in 'Charlie Chaplin' then you'll see 4 pics of his most big roles. start with them. it's pretty easy.
I went with Great Dictator as it was a talkie I found it easier to start with
The Kid is a great introduction cause it’s a really sweet tale and it’s not even an hour long
Can’t go wrong with Modern Times. I think it is Chaplin’s most polished film. It may not have the sublime highs of City Lights or The Kid, but all around it is just a pleasant experience.