Monsieur Verdoux
dir. Charlie Chaplin · 1947
Survival can lead individuals to make morally questionable choices that challenge their humanity.
Plot
The film is about an unemployed banker, Henri Verdoux, and his sociopathic methods of attaining income. While being both loyal and competent in his work, Verdoux has been laid-off. To make money for his wife and child, he marries wealthy widows and then murders them. His crime spree eventually works against him when two particular widows break his normal routine.
Why watch
"Monsieur Verdoux" masterfully intertwines dark comedy with a biting critique of capitalism, showcasing Charlie Chaplin's genius in portraying moral ambiguity through the lens of a charming sociopath. It invites viewers into a world where desperation for survival leads to absurdity, leaving audiences to ponder the ethics of existence and the darkness lurking beneath civility.