#652: CHAPLIN, Charles: Monsieur Verdoux (1947)

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CHAPLIN, Charles (United States)
Monsieur Verdoux [1947]
Spine #652
Blu-ray


Charlie Chaplin plays shockingly against type in his most controversial film, a brilliant and bleak black comedy about money, marriage, and murder. Chaplin is a twentieth-century bluebeard, an enigmatic family man who goes to extreme lengths to support his wife and child, attempting to bump off a series of wealthy widows (including one played by the indefatigable Martha Raye, in a hilarious performance). This deeply philosophical and wildly entertaining film is a work of true sophistication, both for the moral questions it dares to ask and for the way it deconstructs its megastar's lovable on-screen persona.

124 minutes
Black & White
Monaural
1:33:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2013
Director/Writers


Based on an idea by Orson Welles.

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Forty-page booklet featuring an essay by critic Ignatiy Vishnevetsky and reprinted pieces by Chaplin and André Bazin.

Commentary

None.

Chaplin Today: Monsieur Verdoux

A 2003 documentary on the film’s production and release, featuring filmmaker Claude Chabrol and actor Norman Lloyd.

Charlie Chaplin and the American Press

A documentary featuring the director of the Chaplin company Roy Export, Kate Guyonvarch, and author Charles Maland.

Illustrated audio interview

With actor Nash.

Radio advertisements and trailers

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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