The Last Laugh

This is worthy of a look, but only if you fancy yourself an amateur film scholar. I defy anyone to convince me that the average beer-swilling, NFL-addicted citizen of our modern day will sit through "The Last Laugh" with nary a word of ridicule. Some of the other reviewers claim that "The Last Laugh" is a film for anyone with a heart and pulse -- I must argue against this. The exaggerated mannerisms of silent-film actors do not age well. This film is undeniably a gem of the early period of filmmaking, but that does not automatically imply that it will compel a 21st century human being.


Written 10/28/08

Steamboat Bill Jr.

I saw this as the second feature in a double bill of Buster Keaton movies. "Steamboat Bill, Jr." is perhaps most notable for its extended sequence of stunts near the end, in which Keaton's character is swept about by a hurricane. In the midst of this sequence is the iconic scene in which the front of a house falls on Keaton but he is standing perfectly positioned where there is a window opening. He emerges unscathed. One thing notable about Keaton is how short he was. He didn't stand more than 5 foot, 6 inches, and his paucity of height is played as a sight gag repeatedly here. The story of "Steamboat Bill, Jr." is a bit thin, but Keaton is always lively and fun to watch.

The General

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.