I was surprised at how clean this film looks, considering that it dates from 1927. I'm sure restoration work has been enacted. Those who participated in the restoration deserve applause for their efforts. Buster Keaton is one of the great screen stars of the silent film era. This is my first time seeing him onscreen (besides his brief cameo in Billy Wilder's "Sunset Boulevard"), and he is a joy to watch, kinetic and lively at all times. "The General" is set in the deep South during the Civil War. Keaton plays a train conductor who yearns to be part of the war effort. A lengthy section of the film involves a runaway train and all kinds of wacky hijinks. Some of the stunts Keaton executes are stunning. Apparently, "The General" was a box office flop in the time of its release, but the film is now esteemed as one of the greats of all time. I understand the revisionism - "The General" may be Keaton's finest hour. It's a fun romp that stands up to the scrutiny of modern viewing.
No comments:
Post a Comment