Discover Films of Every Stripe From Silent Pictures to HD
Movies have the power to evoke a range of human emotions, captivating viewers in every corner of the world. Early black-and-white films were replaced by 'talkies,' and then Technicolor came along and brightened up big screens everywhere. Nowadays, high definition is the norm. But although technology has advanced substantially over the past century, classics from every decade continue to enthrall audiences with their timeless tales of romantic, intrigue, and much more.
Some of the earliest films that remain quite relevant to the present day are those made by Charlie Chaplin. 'City Lights' (1931) and 'Modern Times' (1936) are two of the best from his silent era, as they both transmit messages without specific words or lines. The first is officially considered a comedy of sorts, but the interaction between Chaplin's Tramp character and the Flower Girl is also a moving tale. At the same time, it is a commentary about social class distinctions and superficial appearances. Five years later, the Tramp reappears in 'Modern Times' as a downtrodden worker struggling to survive during the Great Depression. He tries his hand at a series of jobs in a factory, but fails to keep up with the pace of the machinery.
After making many silent films through the 1930s, even as 'talkies' were becoming the standard for most audiences, Chaplin finally made the big switch. 'The Great Dictator' (1940) reflects the era it was created in, as the main character is a dictator names Adenoid Hynkel, who is backed up by dictator Benzino Napaloni. Although slapstick humor may imply that the movie is about sports and games, in reality, it criticizes the unfolding events in Europe as a result of the increasing power of Adolf Hitler in Germany and Benito Mussolini in Italy. When it was released in the United States, Chaplin was one of the few voices loudly speaking out against the atrocities of dictatorship.
If you want to jump into a different era, look for 'The Time Machine' (1960) in satellite TV listings. Based on H.G. Wells' book published at the end of the nineteenth century, the storyline features a man who builds a machine to travel to the future. While the concept might seem a bit clich these days, it was unique at the time. Furthermore, it offers a distinctive interpretation of an imagined future. While it might seem less spectacular when compared to HD and the special effects of today, 'The Time Machine' actually won an award for the time-lapse filming used to portray a rapidly changing reality.
While orbiting objects offering satellite TV would have been inconceivable in Chaplin's time, technological change tends to happen faster than expected. These days, millions of people have access to dozens or even hundreds of channels, via a parabolic dish on their rooftops. The variety is astounding and these films are just the tip of the iceberg. From international news broadcasts and documentaries to games and reality shows, it is remarkable just how much excitement modern technology can bring right into your residence.
Some of the earliest films that remain quite relevant to the present day are those made by Charlie Chaplin. 'City Lights' (1931) and 'Modern Times' (1936) are two of the best from his silent era, as they both transmit messages without specific words or lines. The first is officially considered a comedy of sorts, but the interaction between Chaplin's Tramp character and the Flower Girl is also a moving tale. At the same time, it is a commentary about social class distinctions and superficial appearances. Five years later, the Tramp reappears in 'Modern Times' as a downtrodden worker struggling to survive during the Great Depression. He tries his hand at a series of jobs in a factory, but fails to keep up with the pace of the machinery.
After making many silent films through the 1930s, even as 'talkies' were becoming the standard for most audiences, Chaplin finally made the big switch. 'The Great Dictator' (1940) reflects the era it was created in, as the main character is a dictator names Adenoid Hynkel, who is backed up by dictator Benzino Napaloni. Although slapstick humor may imply that the movie is about sports and games, in reality, it criticizes the unfolding events in Europe as a result of the increasing power of Adolf Hitler in Germany and Benito Mussolini in Italy. When it was released in the United States, Chaplin was one of the few voices loudly speaking out against the atrocities of dictatorship.
If you want to jump into a different era, look for 'The Time Machine' (1960) in satellite TV listings. Based on H.G. Wells' book published at the end of the nineteenth century, the storyline features a man who builds a machine to travel to the future. While the concept might seem a bit clich these days, it was unique at the time. Furthermore, it offers a distinctive interpretation of an imagined future. While it might seem less spectacular when compared to HD and the special effects of today, 'The Time Machine' actually won an award for the time-lapse filming used to portray a rapidly changing reality.
While orbiting objects offering satellite TV would have been inconceivable in Chaplin's time, technological change tends to happen faster than expected. These days, millions of people have access to dozens or even hundreds of channels, via a parabolic dish on their rooftops. The variety is astounding and these films are just the tip of the iceberg. From international news broadcasts and documentaries to games and reality shows, it is remarkable just how much excitement modern technology can bring right into your residence.