Movies

In several respects, Modern Times is a general critique of capitalism. It is a critique because it expresses reservation and disapproval. For example, the vivid image of a factory dominating the city landscape is an expression of a historic age. Capitalism has become the dominant economic system in the country.

Inside the factory, there is the assembly line. This is a symbol of efficiency and alienation. Marx argues that the assembly line is a source of alienation alienation in the sense that workers are prohibited from interacting with one another, like the case of Chaplin in the movie.

Then, there is the labor market. Life in the city is harsh and poor. Individuals are desperate for jobs and shelter. Chaplin is one of those employed, the lucky ones. Chaplin sells his labor for wage. Those who are unable to contribute labor are disenfranchised, left to rot in the city streets. For those employed, they have to face a stunning reality. Wage is insufficient to maintain a family. Indeed, under capitalism every worker must fend for himself.

What about the capitalists In the movie, they are portrayed as profit-seeking individuals. They develop new products to expand market operations. In the movie, Chaplin is shown a circular dining product. He is asked whether the product is good or not. Chaplin, not wanting to embarrass the owner, agrees. The owner repeats the process of inquiry and asks the chief operating officer to begin selling the product in the market.
Chaplin is pounded by machines. He is dragged, smashed, and loomed by the machines. This instance is an expression of economic priority. Individual workers have become mere appendage of machines. Indeed, in the movie, machines are the primordial creatures of the factory system.

From an epistemological perspective, Modern Times is a forceful critique of capitalism. It is able to show that capitalism is a pervasive reality, out of mans grasp. It is able to explain the conditions which allowed capitalism to prosper. And, in general, it is able to enumerate the social ills which characterize city life.