Chaplin is a good subject and was a terrific filmmaker, but his story is not well served here. The movie limps along, Downey's excellent performance notwithstanding. The reporter as plot device -- well done in GANDHI -- is intrusive here, though it does show off Downey's range. One might hope for Kevin Brownlow to assemble a documentary for Chaplin even half as good as the stunning BUSTER KEATON: A HARD ACT TO FOLLOW. Until then, other sources will have to do.
