The bottom line here, before the review, is that Chaplin and Downey have both made magic by themselves and together. Does it really matter what tiny faux pas Attenborough may have made here or there, which of us have more knowledge of the film industry, Chaplin's life, politics? Reviewers, myself included, sometimes do a service for others, and sometimes a service for ourselves at the expense of a film.
Once in awhile we need to stop watching a movie with a critical eye. Get immersed in it. Let the Barry score fill our hearts, the setting, costumes, camera work, performances become reality and the actor morph into the actual complex genius being portrayed. Get off the sofa and step through the screen so we can be with him in his pain as well as his triumphs. Experience what he does. Feel what he feels. Understand him, and ourselves better.
2 hours in a faraway place can be a nice break. It can also change our lives. The actual world will still be waiting for us, but maybe a hint of the magic will linger, sweeten the taste, lighten the load.
Watch Chaplin. Let it wash over you. Then see if you don't feel better for the experience. If not, go back to whining and hyperfenating about how movies are made for birdcage liners and self aggrandizing soap boxes.
Once in awhile we need to stop watching a movie with a critical eye. Get immersed in it. Let the Barry score fill our hearts, the setting, costumes, camera work, performances become reality and the actor morph into the actual complex genius being portrayed. Get off the sofa and step through the screen so we can be with him in his pain as well as his triumphs. Experience what he does. Feel what he feels. Understand him, and ourselves better.
2 hours in a faraway place can be a nice break. It can also change our lives. The actual world will still be waiting for us, but maybe a hint of the magic will linger, sweeten the taste, lighten the load.
Watch Chaplin. Let it wash over you. Then see if you don't feel better for the experience. If not, go back to whining and hyperfenating about how movies are made for birdcage liners and self aggrandizing soap boxes.