Modern Times (1936) is a Charlie Chaplin film about a factory worker who struggles to maintain his job and sanity in the modern world of machines. The film begins with a shot of clocks to represent the industrial revolution and mechanization of society. It connects scenes of sheep and men on the subway using a match cut technique to comment on the dehumanization of workers. The camera tours the factory using various shots that emphasize the dominance of machines over men. The film criticizes the relationship between man and machine through scenes depicting the main character overwhelmed by the speed and demands of the industrial process.

1. Film English
2017．10．12

2. Modern Times (1936)
• Dir. Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUh7UTUZIXc

3. Discussion Qs for Modern Times
1. What could be the theme(s) of this film?
2. What is the function of the clock in the very beginning of the film(also
identify the type of the shot)?
3. What is the technique used to connect the two scenes “a flock of sheep”
and “a group of men out of the subway” and what meanings may be
brought out from this technique?
4. Identify the shots used in 1’58-2’28. How does the camera introduce the
factory?
5. Identify different types of machine(or during 2’28-23’34). What is the
relationship between man and machine?
6. Evaluate the scenes before 23’34. What are the shot types or camera movements
that attract you the most? Explain their functions in this film.