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The Kid Should See This

Buster Keaton – The Art of the Gag

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Buster Keaton was known as ‘The Great Stone Face’, a reference to the deadpan expression he wore during some of the most incredible physical comedy scenes known in film. His artistry as a vaudevillian, a comedian, a filmmaker, a stunt performer, and a writer is copied and celebrated around the globe — Chuck Jones‘ visual comedy in cartoons is a wonderful example — but nothing is like seeing Keaton himself.

In Buster Keaton – The Art of the Gag by filmmaker Tony Zhou, we not only get to see these skillful Keaton moments, but we learn more about his thinking, commitment, and integrity behind the scenes. Of note: His ‘impossible gags’, and how he transformed ‘failed’ stunts into new and improved comedic ideas. Press the ‘English (US) CC’ button to see the film titles during each clip.

catching a car
waterwheel
falling out the door
Via Open Culture, which also has a list of free online Buster Keaton classics.

Follow Keaton with Chaplin.

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