Albert Einstein once famously said, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” We don’t know the context of his statement but it can be extrapolated to the realms of motion pictures. Not many actors-directors have been able to portray the intricacies of human life in an easy going manner. Charlie Chaplin is undoubtedly class apart in this league. The humor we see in his films is not just for the momentary entertainment of our conscious being, it leaves a deep mark on our sub-conscious being too. The way he touches the lives of the downtrodden is exemplary.

The discussion forum ‘In Defense of Reason’ in its pursuit to promote reason and rationality in the society is going to screen one of Chaplin’s gems ‘Modern Times.’ The time in the movie is during the Great Depression when Chaplin’s iconic Tramp character embodies the suffering of the poor industrial worker who also happens to be generous and sensible apart from being hilariously naive. Chaplin was very attentive to the economic and social problems of his day and it becomes clear from the theme of the movie which is a comment on alienation and dehumanization of laborers inherent in capitalism. Chaplin also declared in 1931, “Unemployment is the key question. Machines should improve the well-being of humanity, instead of causing tragedy and unemployment.”

Where theory would make long speeches about these social issues, Chaplin uses humor to better display the class society with its contradictions and exploitation of man by man. The relevance of this film even today is unmatched.

The idea is to watch and enjoy the movie together followed by an informal open discussion session on its various socio-economic and aesthetic aspects. You all are most welcome to attend the screening.