A Comedy of Murders

In Monsieur Verdoux, a suave but cynical man turns to crime to support his family after he is laid-off from his job as a banker. He begins marrying rich women then murdering them for their money but is caught out as two ladies prove to be serious occupational hazards.

Written by Chaplin from an idea by Orson Welles, the 1947 comedy was nominated for an Academy Award and is one of the first films to feature Chaplin out of his Tramp persona.

The first thing to be seen in the film...Monsieur Verdoux – A Comedy of Murders; accompanied by dark strings...it’s hard to believe this films a comedy. It seems an absolute contradiction! Then Chaplin’s startling and creepy narration commences. It’s time to admit...you’re kidding yourself if you expect a slapstick filled film!

You can notice that Chaplin was a slapstick director though. A lot of the shots in the film are long shots designed to canvas the entire bodily action of the actors on screen. And what strikes me is Chaplin’s constant breaking of the fourth wall! He regularly looks at the camera as if appealing to the audience to see the reasons behind his wicked acts.

This film is filled with little treasures! There is nothing more delightful to see Chaplin pruning roses whilst his latest murder victim burns away behind him in the incinerator. The money counting motif is sure to make you chuckle as well as the boat scene with the yodellers.

Only when Chaplin began to talk did we realise how deep and philosophical he was. Deep down this film is a social and political commentary with a powerful ending speech and a strong atheistic theme. And as Verdoux walks away to his execution and that slightly demented Tramp walk shines through I realise this film deserves to be listed with the greats.