Future Chaplin biographies/documentaries

In the future, when biographers and documentarians continue to explore
new facets of Chaplin's life and career, what are some aspects of his
life and work that should be given fuller attention than they have in
past biographies on Chaplin?

I personally would like to learn more about his earlier years,
especially in how his work on the stage relates to his early film work.
Also, it would be interesting to explore more into the production of
his Keystone and Essanay films, which usually get somewhat brushed over
in documentaries on his films.

Another aspect of Chaplin's career that I think would make for
interesting discussion is how long he was able to sustain himself as a
major force in films, beginning his superstardom in 1915 with the
Essanays, and continuing well through the 1920s (THE GOLD RUSH being
the highest grossing of all silent comedies, as well as one of the most
critically acclaimed in its time). I think sometimes it is taken for
granted that he remained at the top of his game for nearly 20 years.

What would be other aspects of his career that could be explored more
in depth in the future?

Matt

Matt Barry 1/22/06 4:15 PM

> In the future, when biographers and documentarians continue to explore
> new facets of Chaplin's life and career, what are some aspects of his
> life and work that should be given fuller attention than they have in
> past biographies on Chaplin?

I have long been fascinated by the Essanay period as being so transitional.
For years there was little discussion due to the poor quality prints that
were available. Since David Shepard's restorations we have a clearer
understanding of this pivotal time in Chaplin's career.

I want to isolate these films and analyze them deeply as to their
significance in the Chaplin canon, how the represent his evolution, how they
impacted later and more polished work, and what they represent to cinema
itself.

JN