Unjust System and Inequality Depicted from 'The General' and 'Modern Times' Films

Unjust System and Inequality Depicted from 'The General' and 'Modern Times' Films
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Analysis of the General and Modern Times
The film, The General, by Keaton and Bruckman, is based on John Gray, a funny character who is an engineer. Though it does not have sound, it has subtitles that guide the audience on what is going on, and thus, one can try to follow the proceedings. It starts with a romantic set-up of husband and wife in an equally well able context. Their house would be described as a middle-class house with furniture and a good environment (Keavon & Bruckman, 1926). John Gray had two loves in his life: the engine and his lover. The story illustrates his life and how he could balance his work and have time for his family. Although the twist comes, we find out that his lover was betrothed to another person. Although she loved him, the lady’s father makes John miserable as he ensures that John does not get enlisted. Thus, the story expresses the life of John, and we find out if he was able to overcome the challenges he had of getting enlisted and getting the love of his life, the General’s daughter.
Modern times by Charlie Chaplin are a film based on a story of a linesman in a factory facing many challenges at the workplace. He is given hard tasks to do despite being physically challenged (Chaplin, 1936). Also, there is the part where the company uses him to test the machines, and he ends up suffering greatly and being hurt due to the dysfunction of the machine. He is later fired from his work and ends up in the street. He later meets up with a girl he falls in love with, and together, they build a home. The film is also comic at the same time since the persona displays maniac behavior at work.
Central Argument of the Films and Their Relation
The film, The General, is a reflection of how the government works in the present day. It brings out the theme of inequality and injustice. For instance, John Gray was never enlisted because of his love life and discrimination since he was not from the same social-political status as his love. This can be seen when John goes to the office to be enlisted. The head in charge tells his subordinate not to enlist him because of personal issues. Even though John qualifies for enlisting, he cannot access it because the person is not just. The movie, therefore, highlights what injustice and inequality are and how they affect the victims.
Similarly, modern times’ film highlights injustice and inequality in workplaces. The line worker is given work beyond his capability; thus, it is hard to work. Therefore, he expresses his frustrations by being rebellious at work and doing the activities seen. Even after leaving the factory, his life is seen to be in misery since whatever activity he gets to do fails.
The social, cultural, political, or historical context of the films
The film has influenced the social-political setting since it depicts a high-status family versus a low-status family (Winter, 2013). For instance, When John (from a lower social position) visits the love of his life (from an affluent family), he encounters prejudice since the lady&rsq...