When Robert Downey Jr. was cast to play Charlie Chaplin in a Biopic about the beloved filmmaker, there was a lot of skepticism. Prior to 1992, Downey was mainly known for his supporting work in some relatively low-brow 80's movies. The resulting film, Chaplin (1992), directed by Richard Attenborough and written by William Goldman, showed a level of maturity in Robert Downey's acting that wowed everyone, and admiration for his work continues to grow at the present. The film is a loving tribute to Chaplin and captures his life in stylish form. The supporting cast is excellent... Anthony Hopkins, Moira Kelly, Milla Jovovich, Diane Lane, Dan Aykroyd, Paul Rhys... and Chaplin's daughter, Geraldine Chaplin, plays the part of her own grandmother in an inspired bit of casting.
The film follows the life of Charles Chaplin from his life in England (the workhouse, his mother's insanity) and burgeoning stage career in Vaudeville. Chaplin comes to America and ventures west, first to Montana, then to Los Angeles, California where Hollywood is in it's infancy. Fascinated by the possibilities of the new art form, Chaplin immerses himself in movies. He creates his lovable trademark character, "the Tramp" and begins...
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| Chaplin. 1992: Robert Downey, Jr. |
first in small roles...
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| Chaplin. 1992 |
then larger ones, starring in dozens of Silent Comedies within the first couple years...
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| Chaplin. 1992: Robert Downey, Jr. |
Eventually he becomes a director and starts his own Film Company, builds his own studio, and forms United Artists with Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford and D.W. Griffith...
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| Chaplin. 1992: Robert Downey, Jr. |
A lot of time is devoted to the women in Charlie's life...
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| Chaplin. 1992: Moira Kelly |
He married several times...
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| Chaplin. 1992: Milla Jovovich |
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| Chaplin. 1992: Milla Jovovich |
Chaplin meets J. Edgar Hoover and they become immediate enemies, forming a feud that lasts for the rest of their lives... Fittingly, much of the story is dedicated to Chaplin's dedication and love for the film making process...
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| Chaplin. 1992: Robert Downey, Jr. |
and gives glimpses of his sets, costumes, editing and composing techniques...
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| Chaplin. 1992: Robert Downey, Jr. |
Chaplin was a great Artist and led a big, inspired life...
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| Chaplin. 1992: Robert Downey, Jr. |
