University_of_Phoenix_Comm_212_Week_5_Paper

The Greatest Speech in Cinema: Charlie Chaplain’s “The Great Dictator” Richard McAfee May 11, 2010 Communication 110 A great many speakers and speeches have become popular through the ages, the popularity of each varying between cultures and audiences. As seems fitting with our culture, I have been moved by movies more often than politicians. Charlie Chaplain saved his breath for one of his finest roles and for one of the most encompassing, well delivered speeches of cinema history. “The Great Dictator” was a parody of a Nazi Germany, where a Jewish barber is mistaken for Hitler and has the chance to speak in front of thousands, during which he highlights the beauty of individual freedoms, the threat of dictatorships, and the necessity for mankind to pursue freedom and equality. Released in the early years of World War II, this four-minute speech was hailed as both the finest of Chaplain’s career, and a personal plea from the actor to the people of the world, - a first in cinema. The scene begins with Chaplains character sheepishly approaching the podium, humbly accepting a salute from a Nazi officer and, with wide eyes, absorbing the crowd. The anticipation builds with Chaplain’s silence, skillfully using the pause to gain full attention but seemingly composing himself, giving way to a dramatic introduction: “I’m sorry, but I don’t want to be an emperor. That’s not my business.” The power and artistic expression behind the visual delivery adds weight to the speech. Chaplain, who for so long relied on scared, surprised, or comedic expressions, offers a new perspective to his well known face: the kind of emotion that is beyond slapstick, and truly touches the individual as something genuine. This new aspect lends even more personality to his character, and in turn adding to the effectiveness of the scene. Simply put, it was something people had never seen. Rousing speeches that encourage fighting tyranny, seeking personal freedom and democracy are not new, but the message is timeless in the way it was delivered. The satirical approach offered a comedic view of Nazi Germany, though the underlying premise would ultimately highlight the chance a single person has to make an impact, and shows the personal courage such an act would require. A possible, brighter future is painted by the speaker, rising in passion and emphasis of the importance for every individual to take responsibility for their world – all while following the catalyzing speaking style of Hitler, though slightly muted to appeal to the target audience. His tone, at first weak, grows louder and his speech quicker, becoming masculine and demanding when addressing the soldiers not to follow these tyrants, softer and more empathetic when addressing the masses. His deliberate use of speaking styles dependent to his target was executed confidently and effectively, appealing to multiple audiences at once. Chaplain concludes by reminding the masses of brotherly love, that as people we inherently are capable of love, and that the promises of dictators are naught but lies. The delivery, inherent truth, and passion is received positively and met with cheer, magnifying the truth of the speech through the unanimous agreement and love from the crowd. Lack of eye contact at the start of the speech is met with a deliberate and conscious gaze, offering a glimpse at the depth of understanding inherent in Chaplain’s character. The artistic delivery, talent of the orator, and relativity served this speech fantastically. Though it is a product of fiction, the message addresses the very condition of human society, and accurately outlines a simple yet dramatically different path than that of the movie’s subject society. Chaplain’s keen understanding of how body language and tone are relayed through cinema, allowed a man with no political power of any tangible kind to leave a distinct mark on mass media and popular opinion. While Presidents and other politicians still seemed bland and uninspiring on television, Chaplain delivery was an effective pro American counterpoint to the catalytic effect of Nazi propaganda, and marked a new period where more attention would be paid to the societal and political underlying tones in big budget movies. This masterful performance characterized all necessary aspects of great public speaking, and provided America with a much-needed inspirational push in the right direction.