A bit on the shallow side, but an entertaining biopic. Downey is great as Chaplin, and Kline is equally so as Douglas Fairbanks

Very underrated movie, and one I specially have difficulties to understand bad critics. If there's so much about his liaisons in this movie, so many that some people only appear to see that... why is that what I remember less? I only watched it once two years ago, and I still could describe several good and emotive sequences, and none of them have any relation with his lovers. I just remember they caused him some conflicts, but not any specific content and not more time than necessary.

Sure, there are certain aspects of his life that feel a little glossed-over, but the script is good and the supporting cast (notably Aykroyd, Kelly, Kline and Hopkins) are fantastic. That said, the success of the movie is pretty much entirely down to Robert Downey Jr's Chaplin, whose range here (young to old, active clown to frail gentleman) is absolutely incredible. It's hard to imagine a better actor in the role.

A great performance by Robert Downey, Jr. isn't enough to make this good film a great one.

Downey Jr is extraordinary, and really is the only reason to watch this film more than once.

Robert Downey Jr.'s performance is spectacular, and elevates this somewhat formulaic bio-pic to great heights. It's an interesting lesson in film history, as I'd never heard of Doug Fairbanks or Mack Sennett before this (and it helps that they're played wonderfully by Kline and Aykroyd, respectively). Aspects of Chaplin's family life bored me, but watching him become inspired to make his films is, well, inspiring. The "silent film" sequence during the editing of The Kid is a pure joy to watch.

Downey Jr's performance carries the film. He transforms himself into Chaplin and doesn't shy away from every detail. He nails it. I also loved the feel of the film. A la film film-noir but less... Noir. It's the classic Hollywood feel and look that makes it so appealing. Also, a film about film making is always inrteresting. The opening credits sequence was beatiful also. Very well done.

Not what i expected, I think the reaction to Downey's performance is a bit exaggerated, he is outstanding while playing The Tramp or other Chaplin characters but when performing Chaplin himself, he's not that convincing and the make up never helps.. The film itself is too complicated, no great storytelling here.. Too fast even when they left almost everything out.

Robert Downey Jr. is amazing as Charlie Chaplin. He got his gestures and mannerisms down to a T. My main complaint with the movie is that I would have liked to see more of the actual making of the movies. But still, it was fun to watch the life of such an important and interesting filmmaker. On an unrelated note, it blows my mind that this movie got a PG-13 with numerous breast shots and multiple f-words, while the director's cut of Amadeus got an R for one brief breast shot. Screw the MPAA.

"Chaplin" is an enjoyable, compelling biopic -albeit one that neither surprises with its structural choices nor enlightens with fresh insights into Chaplin's life and persona. Downey Jr. delivers a strong, nuanced performance to contrast the flatness of the script which draws a merely superficial portrait of Chaplin. However, thanks to the impressive cast, Attenborough's steady hand and the interesting subject, the film is always pleasant and there's a fair amount of both funny and sad moments.

One of the best of the docudramas.

The movie is much less amazing than Chaplin's life.

Good performance by Robert Downey Jr., but ultimately a testament to better films, namely those of.... uh, Chaplin's.

I didn't expect Robert Downey Jr. to be able to pull of Charlie Chaplin, but I think he did a surprisingly good job. The movie as a whole does a great honor to Chaplin, and by the end I felt like I wanted to see every single one of his movies. I'm surprised this doesn't get more attention.

4- might want to skip this one, not that hot

Robert Downey Jr. is Charlie Chaplin and even though the film at times get a little tacky (e.g. the "invention" of the tramp) it is a great portrayal of one of the greatest comedians who has ever lived. Once you've seen this YouTube the clip of Charlie returning to America to receive his honorary Oscar. Gives me the chills every time!

because i'm in film school dad :o(

Thoroughly humanistic and very classy portrayal of Chaplin's life and work. The somewhat simplistic portrayals of Sennett, Fairbanks, Pickford et al take a little away from the believability, but thanks to Downey Jr's pinpoint precise turn as Chaplin himself and a balanced mix of scenes evoking at turns the hilarious and the emotional turmoil behind The Tramp's smiley-faced exterior, "Chaplin" never outstays its welcome. Unfortunately also made me buy "The Kid", "City Lights" etc. on blu-ray!

Yep, it's a biopic alright.