The Tramp (1915) - 26 Minutes Of Time Travel.... | Intricate Films

It took twenty six minutes for history to be made. It took twenty six minutes to create the roots and lay the foundation of one of the most memorable and adored characters in the history of the silver screen.

A universal icon, the character of 'The Tramp' created by Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin debuts itself in this iconic film. It is a warm, yet light hearted piece of memorabilia.

This is a film that's difficult to review without going deep into analysing it. Having said that, I'm going to simply introduce this film instead of 'reviewing' it in the classical sense.

It is uncommon to find anyone who hasn't appreciated any form of slapstick entertainment, particularly when they were a child. For children, they are usually introduced to it through cartoons they watch and enjoy.

I say this because Chaplin's work is to be seen from that point of view. He is the humanized version of all the silly, yet entertaining cartoon characters, we as children enjoyed.

'The Tramp' (1915) successfully manages to combine the slapstick silliness with a moving story. Mind you, when I say "moving", it's not something revolutionary, so viewers need not set their hopes too high for the story itself, but enjoy the comedic aspects of the film. Again, it's not something you would die laughing over, but it certainly is a time machine.

When I say, "time machine", I mean it in two ways. After watching this Black & White work of art, you most certainly will feel temporarily transported to that era. But there is something else as well. It will transport you to your childhood. Remember the time you were so carefree? Remember the time you used to be light hearted? The time you used to laugh, witnessing the clumsy actions of your favourite cartoon character? This is something priceless. This is one thing that watching 'The Tramp' or any other of Chaplin's productions will help you to remember and appreciate.

Now let's get to the story. This is nothing too unique, but I'm not going to spoil it for those who haven't seen it. I don't want to spoil it because once you know the story, it will ruin your involvement. But I'm gonna tell that it is about an affair of the heart. Even though it isn't anything unimagined, the story is important because it is something many of us have gone through. This is what makes it absolutely endearing. It is an integral part of the film. There is something reassuring about it. It almost conveys to us that we are not alone....

As with all of Chaplin's films in general, the choice of music is exceptional. This is important because this is a silent film and it's meant to convey it's message only through the act in conjunction with the music which should change according to the mood and environment. To my ears, it is timeless.

You may have noticed that I haven't been picking on flaws. The film does have its flaws, but that's not the point of it. Also we must consider that the art of filming in itself was in it's infancy in 1915. So we must not do injustice to it by making any unfair comparisons or expecting it to meet modern standards.

When I said, "that's not the point of it", pertaining to flaws, I meant that this is a film that's meant to entertain us by being clumsy. By being imperfect. This is one of those circumstances where imperfection is perfection.

In such a short running time, this film manages to devour us into its story while successfully ensuring that the slapstick aspects don't appear to be misplaced in any manner. This is a film that deserves a thorough analysis, which is what I shall be doing next. But before that, I'll tell you why I wrote a "review" of this film. I believe that too many people know of Chaplin without ever seeing his films....

To conclude, I would say that this is a slapstick film whose purpose is not to just be a slapstick film, but something more. Something much more....

                                                                - Abhyjith Ashokan

The Important Characters And Their Casts :

* Charlie Chaplin as the tramp. 'The' Tramp. The clumsy and lighthearted protagonist who was just going about with his carefree life when things take a sudden turn.

* Edna Purviance as the farmer's daughter who plays a pivotal role in the story. You can see where this is going....

* Ernest Van Pelt as the farmer, Edna's father.

* Paddy McGuire as the farmhand, who goes through a number of humorous situations with the tramp.

*Lloyd Bacon, Leo White and Bud Jamison again play an important role together which I won't talk about as it would spoil the film for those who haven't seen it. This is especially true with Lloyd Bacon who plays a dual role. But I'm going to leave it at that.

Intricate Meter - 9/10

And 'The Tramp (1915) has secured its place on The Intricate Wall of Fame since it isn't just great in the sense that it is a great film, but it also has garnered historical importance by contributing towards the development and progression of the silver screen itself. Of course, it deserves appreciation for all that.

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                                                           - Abhyjith and Arvind