Social Criticism Through Humor

Charlie Chaplin’s “Modern Times” displays his distaste for the dire consequences of industrialization in a comical and light-hearted manner. Through the eyes of a pitiful factory worker, Chaplin introduces the viewer to a world where technology dominates human existence. Although Chaplin relays this message using humor, through all the laughter the viewer does not lose sight of the dehumanizing effect of factories.

We are first introduced to the dehumanizing effect of factories in the comical introduction of the film in which the protagonist is repeatedly tightening screws in an assembly line. The assembly line moves so fast and is so monotonous that the protagonist struggles to keep up with his work. Although this creates a humorous effect for viewers, the task effectively transforms the factory worker into a robot. The image of the factory worker as a robot is epitomized when the protagonist stops tightening screws, yet automatically continues to make the appropriate hand gestures. Beyond creating another humorous effect, this scene shows that the factory workers have been “programmed” to perform their tasks. Their work doesn’t require humane thought, only the most efficient production of menial tasks.

Chaplin further illustrates his disgust for the factory systems in another entertaining scene in which a feeding machine is being tested. This feeding machine is intended to increase productivity by freeing the hands during workers’ lunch breaks so they can continue to perform their menial tasks. Although this scene inspires laughter among the crowd, it clearly shows the dehumanizing effects of industrialization. Efficient production has become so important that factory owners can’t even afford to grant their workers a lunch break. Instead, workers are fed like robots. Furthermore, the protagonist is dehumanized when the feeding machine malfunctions and the food is spilled all over him. The factory owner has no concern for the discomfort this causes to the factory worker; he is diminished to a test subject, similar to an animal in a scientific experiment. However, the factory owner cares more about the impracticality and the inefficiency of the feeding machine. This scene demonstrates Chaplin’s distaste for the values and standards of factories.

Through the creation of multiple scenes, Chaplin creates a social criticism of industrialization while keeping the viewers laughing and entertained. This playful twist on a deep and disturbing topic grasps the attention of viewers and successfully communicates a message close to his heart.