How Chaplin's "The Great Dictator" Inscribes the Political
Charlie Chaplin’s 1940 film, “The Great Dictator,” was Chaplin’s first talking picture and, incidentally, the highest-grossing film of his entire career. The satirical comedy-drama is set in the fictional country of Tomainia and follows a Jewish Barber played by Chaplin, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the country’s ruthless dictator, Adenoid Hynkel, who Chaplin likewise plays. As a whole entity, the film satirizes the Nazis and their twisted fantasies of world domination. This satirical tone that runs throughout the simultaneously highly political film is significantly contributed to by the comic portrayal of the Nazis and Axis command. Chaplin began making this film in 1938 when the full scope of Hilter’s evil was not widely known, and if he were to make the film any later than he did, his satirization might have been considered largely distasteful. In this film, Chaplin institutes a very evocative emotional lure. He argues that humanity has surrendered the responsibility to give a good life to people and replaced that burden with desire, hatred, demoralization, and brutality. His powerfully charged diction cuts right into the center of mortal feeling. Through humor and satire, Chaplin can critique the political circumstances of 1930s Europe and the rise of totalitarian regimes like Nazi Germany.
One of the most conspicuous modes that the political occurs in "The Great Dictator" is via the character of Adenoid Hynkel, who embodies the totalitarian leaders of the time, like Germany’s Adolf Hitler and Italy’s Benito Mussolini. Hynkel's rule is characterized by authoritarianism, militarism, and propaganda. He is indicated to have dominion over every element of the country's political, economic, and social life, as the Nazis did. In one of the film's most iconic scenes, Hynkel gives a speech in front of a crowd of loyal supporters, a transparent caricature of Hitler's public speeches. Chaplin’s delivery of the speech seamlessly sustains the parody of Hitler, as Chaplin directly reflects the typical pattern Hitler used in speeches. Yet, the humane charge Chaplin publicizes contrasts the cruel scope in Hitler’s addresses, creating a relationship with the audience. Hitler had an exact approach to his addresses; he would start calmly and peacefully, and as the speech advanced, he became increasingly emotional. Although the range was contentious and brutal, Hitler’s rhetorical capacity was remarkable. Chaplin imitates his agility with ease. As he poses as the tyrant, he initiates his address somewhat unobtrusively, uttering simply. Yet, as the speech continues, he evolves and becomes emotionally involved. He gets louder, he begins gesturing significantly, and his performance makes everything he says more relatable. Before the audience even understand what is being articulated, they are fascinated by the fact that Chaplin is so passionate. Through the intense satirization, spectators are more inclined to truly listen and understand the plea that Chaplin is making to better humanity and critique real politics at the time.
Another way that Chaplin inscribes the political in “The Great Dictator ” is by using a combination of propaganda techniques like irony to communicate his critique of the Nazi regime. In one scene, the Jewish barber is arrested and sent to a concentration camp for no reason other than his ethnicity, a clear commentary on the persecution of the Jewish people under Nazi rule. The Jewish barber experiences the horrors of persecution and genocide firsthand. Through this character, Chaplin gives a robust analysis of the monstrosities committed against the Jewish people during World War II and the necessity to stand against oppression.
Political symbolism is at the core of "The Great Dictator." The film uses symbolism to illustrate the struggle between powers; for example, the use of a globe to embody the world and the fight for peace. The globe is utilized in several scenes to ascribe the importance of unity and cooperation among the world’s nations. Perhaps the greatest moment of Chaplin’s mockery of Hitler and the elevation of dictators is the scene where Hynkel dances with a globe. With little to no dialogue, this scene demands no need for words to express its statement. Paired with the beautiful sounds of “Lohengrin,” Hynkel dances a silly dance with the balloon globe, a mark of his horrifying aim of having the world for his bliss. The political commentary is at its peak when he assumes he has the world within his grasp, and then the bubble directly pops in a perfectly timed juncture. Chaplin’s suggestive remark on the futility of the oppressor’s goals echoes his optimistic view that autocrats will never truly succeed.
The film’s climatic speech by the Jewish barber is the true convergence of how humor and satire inscribe the political in “The Great Dictator.” In this speech, the barber has been mistaken for the dictator of Tomainia, and he uses this opportunity to urge for peace and unity. The speech is an explicit denunciation of the nationalist and racist notion promoted by Hynkel. There are many political themes present in the speech. Firstly, there is a powerful comment on authoritarianism and fascism. The speech condemns the "machine-like" mentality of dictators who seek to control and oppress their citizens. “We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery we need humanity. More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness.” Chaplin's character argues that this kind of rule is inherently unsustainable and that the world’s people will inevitably rise against it. There is a call for international cooperation. Chaplin acknowledges humanity is facing a difficult moment in its history, and his character argues that despite our differences, we must work together to create a better world. “The aeroplane and the radio have brought us closer together. The very nature of these inventions cries out for the goodness in men - cries out for universal brotherhood - for the unity of us all.” The speech is also a plea for liberation and human rights. Chaplin disputes that all people, regardless of background, have a right to live free from oppression and fear. He emphasizes the precedence of individual liberty and the need for regimes to protect their citizens from harm. “Let us fight for a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to all men’s happiness. Soldiers! In the name of democracy, let us all unite!”
Ultimately, "The Great Dictator" is a powerful political commentary on the dangers of unchecked power, propaganda, and persecution. Via satire and humor, Chaplin critiques the rise of fascism and totalitarianism in Europe during the 1930s and offers a message of hope and tolerance through the character of the Jewish barber. The political arises in "The Great Dictator" through Chaplin's caricature and critique of authoritarianism, propaganda, and brutality. Through the character of Adenoid Hynkel and the Jewish barber, he offers a play-by-play on the political situation of Europe during the 1930s and the threats of allowing authoritative leaders to gain unchecked power. The film remains pertinent today as a potent reminder of defending democracy, sovereignty, and human rights.
