Considering silent films are the original models of the type of films that entertain us today, I'd say The Circus reflects a lot of trends that are still prevalent in the cinema industry. The movie features the silly, underdog-type character (Charlie Chaplin), the gorgeous damsel in distress character (Merna Kennedy), the oppressor (Al Ernst Garcia), and the strapping, masculine, and skillful character (Harry Crocker). As in a lot of films familiar to us today in The Circus we have the underdog and the damsel in distress brought together by there ill-treatment they receive from the oppressor. As in most cases the underdog falls for the damsel and later when the masculine ideal man comes into the picture the underdog attempts to compete with him. unlike more modern films in The Circus the underdog does not win the girl over instead she falls for the more masculine character. The significance in the circus is its success likely help ignite this trend that we still see in films today. The subject matter of it is versatile and can be used in anything from comedies to horror films.
Review of The Circus
