Movie #5: City Lights. Or, desperate times call for desperate measures!

Title: City Lights

Director: Charlie Chaplin

Starring: Charlie Chaplin, Virginia Cherrill

Number on the AFI list: 11. Rightfully so.

Year: 1931

The poster is a little misleading: this movie is not actually about boxing (darn!). However, it is a wonderful romantic comedy about the Tramp (Charlie Chaplin), homeless and penniless, falling in love with a blind flower shop girl. Blindness is not only found in the love interest, but also in a millionaire whom the Tramp rescues from suicide-however, the millionaire only recognizes the Tramp when he is drunk. If and when the millionaire is sober, the Tramp finds himself kicked out and even jailed. All the while, the Tramp just wants to financially help the blind flower girl. Typical Charlie Chaplin-esque antics ensue, but the subtleties of the discoveries in this movie, especially at the end, are what set it apart from the other films I've seen so far. It makes sense, considering this was made when "talkies" were already competing in Hollywood. Where Sunrise mastered the use of cinematography and interchanging genres, all the while maintaining a romantic feel, the acting and simple yet compelling plot line are what makes this movie one of the greats. 

Of course, Chaplin's wonderfully choreographed comedic moments are impossible to forget, including this moment at the beginning which had me rolling with laughter (it's the tipping of the hat that gets me!):

Further thoughts (as of 4:30pm on 7/24): This movie centers around the Tramp not being truly seen by anyone, from the blind girl who REALLY can't see him and mistakes him for a rich man, to the millionaire who only recognizes the Tramp when he's drunk, to the man who thinks the Tramp could be a successful boxer, to the foreshadowing at the beginning with the reveal of the statue where the Tramp is sleeping. All of this blindness creates an even more meaningful ending when the Tramp is really seen for the first time for who he is. Well done, Mr. Chaplin.  

Favorite moment: The one linked above, and the cigar lighting scene in the restaurant.

I've decided to get rid of the "least favorite moment" question until I find a movie with a least favorite scene! 

Will I watch it again: Yes!

For your viewing pleasure: