The ‘hidden’ reason behind Chaplin’s insatiable love for ‘Silent’ films over ‘Talkies’ !
Charlie Chaplin
When ‘Talkies’ were introduced in 1927, almost all the filmmaker and production houses jumped into the new form of cinema to give a new experience to the viewers. But Chaplin restrained himself to enter talkies. Only after 13-years, he reluctantly made his first talkie ‘ The Great Dictator’ (1940).
The oft-quoted reason for Chaplin’s decision is based on the interview he gave to the press. Chaplin wrote in the Times that “The silent picture, first of all, is a universal means of expression. Talking pictures necessarily have a limited field, they are held down to the particular tongues of particular races.”
He reluctantly accepted the talking picture as “a valuable addition to the dramatic art regardless of its limitations, but I regard it only as an addition, not as a substitute”
He also stated, “ If I talked, I would become like any other comedian.” Certainly he is different and also a genius. There is no doubt about it.
But the real reason could be, if he started acting talkies he not only becomes one more comedian, he can’t perform the ‘stunts’ the way it was performed in the silent movies. Because, in those days, the silent movies (especially most of the Chaplin movies) had been shot 16 to 18 frames per second and projected close to 20 to 24 fps. That method actually enhances the ‘fun-quotient’ of the movie. Like running, jumping and doing any kind of brisk actions look lot funnier than the movies that was shot with 24 frames per second. If the sound is mixed, the then they can alter the frame rate of 24 fps and but won’t be much fun for the viewers. So, to retain the action-oriented fun part in his films, Chaplin could’ve decided to stay away from the ‘talkies.’
By
Srini