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Great Dictator, The

Charlie Chaplin got a bad rap here in the U.S. Provocative and unruly, he cast Americans in the role of Nazi-like storm troopers, in one of the most penetrating films of history, The Great Dictator.

The film follows the rise to power of a machine-like man who looks similar to Hitler and acts similar to Hitler. Chaplin, of course, remembers humor cures, and he uses it effectively. His acting is priceless and unmatched.

At the end of the film, we understand Chaplin has juxtaposed actual history with the fantastic. We shouldn’t help asking, "What if Hitler (and the so many other warmongers) had put an equal amount of effort, intellect and soul into exposing truth and beauty instead of abomination?"

In the dictator’s final speech, he has come to understand his wrongdoings: "Do away with national barriers, do away with greed...(and)...fight for a new world, a decent world."

Eventually we realize the other character, a naïve barber, and the dictator are the same person. How can that be?

Perhaps Chaplin was referring to the fact that we all share in the responsibility towards humankind. Perhaps Chaplin saw us all as, "victims of a system that makes men torture," and thus torture.

His naivete, however, may save him, as hope is not lost.

"Look up Hannah, Look up!"

Written by: Rachael K. LeValley

Reviewers Rating: 8.5
Reader's Rating: 5.50
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