Blu-ray Review: Charles Chaplin’s Dark, Riveting ‘Monsieur Verdoux’

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CHICAGO – Charles Chaplin’s “Monsieur Verdoux,” recently released in a lavish Criterion Blu-ray set with new special features and a glorious 2K digital restoration, is such a unique film that it has kind of gone under the radar when the career of its beloved star/director is discussed. His first post-WWII film, “Verdoux” doesn’t feature his iconic Tramp character, contains a ridiculously dark anti-hero, and is more socially demented than most films of its era. While it can be easy to look at the satire of films like “The Great Dictator” and “Modern Times” and apply them not just to today but Chaplin’s era, “Verdoux” can be a more difficult film to dissect. Which is not to imply that you shouldn’t. You really, really should.

Rating: 4.5/5.0

First, a little history. Believe it or not, “Monsieur Verdoux” almost was a film directed by Orson Welles and starring Chaplin. While that would have been an incredible collaboration, the two egos reportedly clashed and Welles left the project to Chaplin, who stars and directs. He plays the title character, a charming fellow who likes to kill rich widows for their money. He’s portrayed almost as just another working class guy. This is what Verdoux does to keep him and his family above water. It’s the lack of moral gameplaying — he’s not portrayed like a typical serial killer, especially in terms of ’40s cinema — that makes “Verdoux” a hard film to read. Are we supposed to like him? Understand him? Whatever your interpretation, “Verdoux” is another fascinating piece of work from one of history’s most important filmmakers. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to preferring “Dictator” and “Modern Times” (both also available in Criterion editions) but lesser Chaplin is still great cinema.

Monsieur Verdoux was released on Blu-ray on March 26, 2013
Photo credit: Courtesy of the Criterion Collection

Synopsis:
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 the way it deconstructs its megastar’s loveable on-screen persona.

Special Features:
o Chaplin Today: Monsieur Verdoux - A 2003 Documentary On The Film’s Production And Release, Featuring Filmmaker Claude Chabrol And Actor Norman Lloyd
o Charlie Chaplin And The American Press - A New Documentary Featuring The Director Of The Chaplin Company Ray Export, Kate Guyonvarch, And Author Charles Maland
o Illustrated Audio Interview With Actor Marilyn Nash
o Radio Advertisement And Trailers
o Booklet Featuring An Essay By Critic Ignatiy Vishnevetsky And Reprinted Pieces By Chaplin And Critic Andre Bazin

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com