A few posts ago I tried weaving a tapestry of flattery and reverence to Buster Keaton. What triggered this, I can't pin down exactly. It was a bout a month ago, however, when I became enthralled with the guy and silent films. Althought I've enjoyed silent films for a while now, I guess I never realized how amazing they were for their time until now. Everything is relative, especially when it comes to technology and what is "modern" for the time.
I don't want to say I chose Keaton over Chaplin, Lloyd, Arbuckle or others, but instead of. Maybe this time next year it will be a different ball game played by a different comic that draws me in. Though Keaton plays darn funny third baseman.
I don't think it's ever a matter of choosing between Keaton and Chaplin. They are both so iconic. With Keaton's ability to combine physicality with irony is brilliant! Slapstick for the thinking man. And oh that mug!
ReplyDeleteIn Chaplin's case, his humanity and empathy for the "everyman" can not only make you laugh, but can also make you cry. Very sophisticated stuff in the world of The Keystone Cops.
Suppose I meant choosing Keaton as a fleeting obsession for the time being haha.
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