The Cameraman (1928) showcases Buster Keaton’s comedic genius and physical prowess, solidifying his legacy as a master of silent film. The film, directed by Edward Sedgwick with significant input from Keaton, is a brilliant blend of humor and innovation.
Key Points
Summary
Buster Keaton stars as a tintype photographer who falls for Sally (Marceline Day), a woman he meets during a parade. Determined to impress her, he becomes a newsreel cameraman. Despite numerous comedic failures—such as arriving at the wrong locations and mishandling film—Buster’s relentless spirit and inventive mind shine through. His antics include a solo baseball game at Yankee Stadium and a chaotic poolside encounter.
The film’s pace is relentless, with Buster’s agility and creativity driving the story forward. From riding a bus wheel arch to switching costumes underwater, his physical comedy is unmatched. The climax features Buster rescuing Sally from a runaway boat, only for his rival Stagg (Harold Goodwin) to take the credit. However, Buster’s determination eventually wins Sally’s heart.
Cast
- Buster Keaton as the Cameraman
- Marceline Day as Sally
- Harold Goodwin as Stagg
Review
Keaton’s performance in The Cameraman is a testament to his physical and creative abilities. His stunts are daring, and his timing impeccable, making this film a classic of silent comedy. The film also highlights Keaton’s intellectual humor, with clever visual gags and innovative storytelling.
The Cameraman remains a timeless piece that captures the essence of Keaton’s cool and intelligent persona. His ability to face adversity with grace and humor ensures that he emerges victorious and endears him to audiences of all ages. This film is not just a comedy but a showcase of Keaton’s relentless pursuit of excellence in filmmaking.
Buster Keaton’s first film for MGM, “The Cameraman” (1928), marks a turning point in his career. Much like the Marx Brothers’ later transition to the studio, this film features more plot, character development, and sentimentality than Keaton’s earlier works, and even includes a cute monkey for added charm.
In this comedic gem, Keaton plays a love-struck tintype photographer striving to become an MGM news cameraman. He also aims to win the affection of the office’s pretty secretary, portrayed by Marceline Day. She favors Keaton’s plucky eagerness over the muscular egoists who pursue her and often gives him tips on potential stories. Despite his best efforts, Keaton hilariously bungles these opportunities, creating a string of laugh-out-loud moments.
While “The Cameraman” has a more complex plot than Keaton’s previous films, it sometimes lacks cohesion. Nevertheless, the comedy remains top-notch. A standout gag involves Keaton and a larger man struggling to change into bathing suits in a tiny cubicle, getting hilariously entangled in each other’s clothes. The film’s climax is brilliantly staged, with Keaton attempting to film a massive Tong war. He dodges machine gun bullets, knife-wielding assassins, and a determined cop who wants to drag him off to the loony bin.
Overall, “The Cameraman” showcases Keaton’s genius for blending slapstick humor with heartfelt storytelling, making it a must-watch for fans of classic cinema.
