STORY STUDY - CRITERION WEEK “756. Limelight”

As one artist’s time comes to an end, it’s up to the guide a new generation.

Directed and written by Charles Chaplin, Limelight is the story of a stage clown Calvero whose popularity has faded. He lives in a tenant house, where he saves a woman, Tereza, from suicide, where he learns she is a ballet dancer.

As their lives progress, and Calvero helps Tereza regain her confidence, and her career flourishes. Tereza helps Calvero with his own confidence, even getting him a job in the ballet production she is in as a role of a clown.

However, it’s very clear that Calvero’s time in the limelight is coming to a close.

It’s hard not to see the film as an autobiography of Chaplin’s life, but as a story on its own, it’s a story that’s very timeless. Most of the time they end in tragedy and this film is no exception. However, I think there is some optimism in here too.

The film constantly reiterates the importance of life, and living it means you are able to continue your art. Sure, time has to come for all artists, but should younger artists feel the same way? They have yet to experience their time in the spotlight; they shouldn’t feel down at such an early stage of their career.

The musical, song, and ballet sequences vary in success based on how you see it. For me, I felt like the ballet sequence works even in today. It’s beautifully choreographed and performed. Calvero’s comedy and singing routine works less for me, but that’s probably because of the time I live in, and what I’m used to. That all being said, maybe the film is aware of this: one art form is dying, and the other is timeless for a reason.

I hate when I hear “the run time is too long” because it feels like they’re just finding a reason to criticize a film. I know no film is perfect, but come on. However, I felt like this film is truly guilty of that, and oddly enough, it’s not because of the musical sequences; it’s how the film is structured.

The best example I can give is the dream sequence showcasing Calvero’s rise and fall popularity. It’s presented as a dream sequence, a scene after he saves Tereza, but I felt that could’ve been the opening scene before saving Tereza. It’s little things like that.

The film is also very preachy in its lesson. More talk, less show, or at least, too much talk and the show is irrelevant.

I came across Limelight when I learned it was a new addition into the Criterion Collection. I’ve never seen a sound Chaplin film, and given the story, I couldn’t resist.

The film still a nice message, and you get a positive feeling when you see Tereza’s rise in confidence and career. It’s less a “passing the baton” story than it is a “passing wisdom along,” which is something that should be happening with every generation.