i heart buster keaton...

After many suggestions from Netflix that I would like Buster Keaton in Sherlock, Jr., I finally sat down to watch it with the family. It is a silent film and black and white. I have never attempted to watch a silent film as I figured they were boring and I'm not a huge fan of slapstick. So I had low expectations and figured I could endure anything for 45 minutes (the length of the movie).

I was blown away! It was so funny and included the greatest moment I have ever witnessed in a movie. We actually stopped the movie to watch the particular gag again. Buster Keaton is a genius and incredibly athletic. He did all his stunts which are pretty amazing. Sometimes he looks like he's made of rubber or elastic.

Here is a scene where he is dreaming and enters the movie to rescue his fiance. It's not the funniest gag in the movie (the playing pool scene or the motorcycle scene is) but it shows his goofiness.


Or this where he wants to work at a soda fountain.


He is called the "Great Stone Face" because he doesn't crack a smile. No matter what happens to him (and a lot does), he retains a stoic face. It's really fun and endearing.

This one is a short scene from Our Hospitality.


Here is a clip from the movie The College where he is picked to play third base and obviously has no clue what to do. The other scenes from the movie include track and field, football and rowing and all are hilarious. He tries so hard.


I strongly encourage you to see Sherlock, Jr, then The Navigator, The General and The College. I'm pretty sure you can just watch them on YouTube.


He wasn't ever as famous as Harold Lloyd or Charlie Chaplin which is sad.


Since we like Buster Keaton, I think we will venture out to see some Harold Lloyd.