During Chaplin’s times, when people still believed newly-born cinema was a passing fad and would never replace live shows, Chaplin was determined to master this new medium, for it would offer him the chance of money and success. Chaplin’s first film, Making a Living, was released in 1914. The film was well received by the public but didn’t satisfy Chaplin. After some disappointments and anxieties, he created the now classic character of “the little tramp.” From his very first appearance, the little man brought laughter to people’s faces. With his black moustache, wide-open eyes, round black hat, and shoes too large for his feet, he makes all kinds of stupid mistakes. He is always in trouble. Yet he dreams of greatness. He makes every audience laugh with his crazy attempts to escape his cruel fate. He finds surprising ways out of every difficulty and life never quite defeats him. The little tramp is not very different from the cold, homeless, poorly dressed child who refuses to despair. Like the child, he is weak and frightened, but he never gives up.
n. 媒体,方法,媒介
adj. 适中的,中等