Film Overview"Behind the Screen" is a silent brief film dated back to 1916, directed, written, and starred by among the silent film age's most considerable figures, Charlie Chaplin. Chaplin plays a comical function as a stagehand called David in a film studio. The film's story is concentrated on the numerous experiences of David in the film studio and provides an entertaining take on the filmmaking process.
Characters and SettingDavid is the main character, portrayed by Charlie Chaplin. He shares the spotlight with Goliath, his employer and another stagehand played by Eric Campbell, known for his villainous roles in Chaplin's films. Edna Purviance, a regular co-star in Chaplin's movies, plays an aspiring starlet who disguises as a male to secure a job. Furthermore, Albert Austin and Lloyd Bacon likewise include in the film as studio workers. The entire movie unfolds in a single place - the film studio.
Plot SummaryThe film opens with a slapstick funny style, revealing David being a clumsy stagehand, showing bad woodworking skills when forced to make a huge phase prop, leading to numerous humorous situations. The vibrant in between David and Goliath, the one in charge, is a blend of comic relief, conflict, and misconception. Goliath is represented as a lazy boss who frequently takes naps, leaving most of the work to David.
The story takes a turn when an aspiring actress, desperate for a task, slips into the studio disguised as a guy as the studio isn't working with females. Her fast wit and skills make her a spot in the film studio, exposing the underrepresentation and gender bias prevalent during those times in Hollywood. David unwittingly initiates a fistfight with her, believing she's a man. Realizing she's a female, he instantly asks forgiveness and befriends her.
The Strike SequenceA considerable part of the movie revolves around a group of striking staff members who stage a revolution versus the management. Initially, both David and the disguised starlet refuse to take part in the strike, but David winds up getting involved hesitantly. The movie captures a humorous series of David tackling the disgruntled employees one by one, using slapstick comedy to lighten the major circumstance.
Underlying Themes and Conclusion"Behind the Screen" also undertakes subplots such as gender inequality, office characteristics, and labor movements, along with its comedic series. Regardless of it being a hilarious depiction of a movie studio, it does not avoid attending to major styles.
The story culminates with David mistakenly garbing himself in a knight's armor while handling props and accidentally becoming a hero, causing a series of comical occasions. In the end, all problems get fixed, and the strike is settled. Chaplin's stagehand character David becomes a valiant hero for the studio, and the disguised actress's real identity is revealed to all. The movie concludes with David and the actress sharing romantic sentiments, ending on a happy note.
Final Thoughts"Behind the Screen" is a classic silent-era movie that completely balances humor with social commentary. The film ingeniously uses the funny category to critique the movie industry's labor practices and gender predisposition. Chaplin's unmatched physical funny style is showcased brilliantly throughout this film, rendering it as one of the memorable works of his early career.
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