The General (1926)

A firm command over slapstick cinema.

Summary:

There are some who will say The General is Buster Keaton’s greatest film, which will be as difficult to dispute as the stunts attempted in this film. Having one of the most expensive train stunts for it’s time, I can only imagine what it would be like to watch this event blockbuster in 1926. But as death defying and iconic as some of these scenes are, I have to say it’s not my favorite film from Keaton. There’s a lack of charm as a result of the more drama focused film, which although still has levity and humor, is relatively more serious than Sherlock Jr. Cinematography isn’t everything in cinema, but if it were, then this might have taken the cake as it predates Metropolis by one year.


Recommendations

Previous
Previous

Sherlock Jr. (1924)

Next
Next

Romeo + Juliet (1996)