The Real Charlie Chaplin

A stirring new take on the life and work of one the most elusive cinema icons, revealing a never-previously-broadcast interview.

  • Directors

    Peter Middleton, James Spinney

  • Producers

    Ben Limberg, John Battsek, Mike Brett, Steve Jamison, Jo-Jo Ellison

  • Screenwriters

    Oliver Kindeberg, Peter Middleton, James Spinney

  • UK 2021. 114min

  • UK Distribution

    Altitude Film Distribution

  • Language

    English

This film’s BFI Player premiere is scheduled for the time listed above. You have 24 hours to start watching and 4 hours to complete the film once you’ve started. Tickets can be booked until the end time listed above (subject to availability).

Peter Middleton and James Spinney, directors of the critically acclaimed Notes on Blindness, have crafted an innovative and illuminating documentary about Charles Chaplin, offering new perspectives on his tumultuous life and remarkable career. Deftly blending rich archive material, from photographs to home movies, along with stunning dramatic reconstructions, the film revolves around a revelatory and previously unheard 1966 audio recording – a four-day interview Chaplin gave to Life magazine reporter Richard Meryman. Key moments in the artist’s life are investigated: his rise from the slums of Victorian London to fame in Hollywood, his fall from grace following The Great Dictator, via his troubling relationships with women, and his last marriage to Oona O’Neill. It’s a fascinating portrait and fresh insight into the life of one of cinema’s earliest stars.

Laure Bonville

Calling all film fans aged 16 to 25! Book £5 tickets in advance to see this film on BFI Player with your 25 & Under account. Sign up now.

Access information

The screening on Friday 15 October NFT1 will have a BSL interpreted introduction and Q&A, and the film will have closed captions for customers who are D/deaf or hard of hearing. It will also be presented with an audio-description soundtrack for customers who are blind or partially-sighted.

The BFI Player screening on Friday 15 October will have closed captions for customers who are D/deaf or hard of hearing and will be presented with an audio-description soundtrack for customers who are blind or partially-sighted.

This film contains flashing images.

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