A fresh look at Charlie Chaplin: ’Chaplin, Spirit of the Tramp’
A new documentary explores the life of a legend
Film Constellation has secured international sales rights for the feature documentary “Chaplin, Spirit of the Tramp”, directed by Carmen Chaplin, the granddaughter of the legendary Charlie Chaplin. This intimate portrayal of the iconic filmmaker and comedian is set to make its world premiere at the San Sebastian Film Festival.
A personal journey into Chaplin’s roots
The documentary delves deep into Chaplin’s life, offering a unique perspective from within his family. It explores his Romani heritage, which played a significant role in shaping his beloved character, the Tramp. The film is rich with interviews, film extracts, home movies, and contributions from renowned contemporary Roma artists such as Tony Gatlif, Stochelo Rosenberg, Lita Cabellut, and Farruquito.
Unprecedented access to the Chaplin estate
Carmen Chaplin’s directorial debut is distinguished by its unprecedented access to the Chaplin estate. This was made possible through the participation of the Chaplin Office, the Chaplin family, and MK2 Films. The director conducted interviews with many of Chaplin’s relatives, including Michael J. Chaplin, Geraldine Chaplin, Victoria Chaplin, Jane Chaplin, and Christopher Chaplin.
A novel narrative on family and legacy
Carmen Chaplin shared her motivation for the project, stating, “The story of my grandfather, Charlie Chaplin, has been told many times, but I felt compelled to approach it from a personal angle through the eyes of my father. By unearthing the history of our bloodline and digging into our family archives, we offer a novel narrative about family and legacy, and a celebration of the Roma Traveller tradition which offers audiences new insight into Chaplin as a man and as an artist.”
A collaborative international production
“Chaplin, Spirit of the Tramp” is a Spanish-U.K.-Dutch co-production, produced by Wave of Humanity, Basque Films, and Atlantika Films, in association with Kwanon Films and Roy Export, and co-produced by Submarine Sublime and Constellation Prods. The film was co-written by Carmen Chaplin, Ashim Bhalla, Isaki Lacuesta, and Amaya Remírez García. The editing was handled by Julia Juaniz, known for “Finding Steve McQueen,” with cinematography by Kenneth Oribe of “Fronteras” fame, and an original score by Nathaniel Méchaly, renowned for the “Taken” trilogy.
Film Constellation’s busy fall season
Film Constellation, led by Fabien Westerhoff with offices in London and Paris, has an eventful fall season ahead. The company is set to premiere “Bonjour Tristesse”, directed by Durga Chew-Bose and starring Chloë Sevigny, Claes Bang, and Lily McInerny, at the Toronto International Film Festival. This film will open the Discovery section. Additionally, the comedy romance “Turn on Me” by Michael Tyburski, featuring Bel Powley and Nick Robinson, will compete in the New Directors section at San Sebastian.
Constellation Prods. and future projects
Constellation Prods., the in-house production arm of Film Constellation, launched a couple of years ago and has been actively involved in many projects as a co-financier. For “Bonjour Tristesse,” an English-language adaptation of Francoise Sagan’s bestseller, the company also serves as an executive producer.
Explore more
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of Charlie Chaplin and his enduring legacy, you can watch the trailer for Chaplin, Spirit of the Tramp. This documentary promises to offer a fresh and intimate look at one of cinema’s most iconic figures, through the lens of his own family.
For more information on the upcoming films mentioned, check out the trailers for Bonjour Tristesse and Turn on Me. These films are set to captivate audiences with their unique stories and stellar performances.
Personal reflections: As a cinema enthusiast, the prospect of exploring Charlie Chaplin’s life through the eyes of his granddaughter is incredibly exciting. The blend of personal anecdotes, historical context, and artistic contributions from contemporary Roma artists promises a rich and multifaceted narrative. This documentary not only celebrates Chaplin’s legacy but also sheds light on the cultural influences that shaped his work, offering a deeper understanding of the man behind the Tramp.