MovieChat Forums > Sherlock Jr. (1924) Discussion > This is my Favorite Keaton Film ....

This is my Favorite Keaton Film ....

posted 13 years ago by gmattel
3 replies | jump to latest

It shows all of Keaton's talents - both as a filmmaker and an actor plus I love the theme. The movie reminds me of my favorite quote from Keaton, which he said that his films were his daydreams and "all the fairylands of the world" were there to be explored. Sherlock Jr tells of the restorative and therapeutic power of dreams. Anyone reading this most probably knows that Keaton's personal life was, in many ways, unhappy and I believe his films were a healthy bit of escapism and a way to work out his problems. What wasn't working in real life - worked out in his films.
I also love the ending and his interaction with his girlfriend which displays the subtle beauty of Keaton's acting ability. When she comes back and apologizes, of course he's happy, but he's also very hurt that she didn't support him when he was thrown out of her house. Subtly, I believe, you can see that conflict, especially when he considers if he's going to kiss her and when he puts the ring on her finger (again) he gives her a look that I believe he's saying to her "can you keep it on your finger more than 5 minutes this time". This is in keeping with Keaton's personality on and off screen. He was very quiet and polite, but that didn't mean he didn't have angry feelings, he generally chose not to show them.

[–] cmashieldscapting 13 years ago

That was beautiful. A lot of his most touching scenes in films by himself and others portray cruel rejection, anticipation of rejection, or surprise and delight at lack of rejection. When Judy Garland in "In the Good Old Summertime" accepts his invitation to go out which he thought she never would, he checks to make sure he heard right and practically jumps for joy.

[–] gmattel 13 years ago

For me, the most heartbreaking moment is when he wakes from his dream, looks at the film from the projection booth and realizes his dream is over and he's back to reality.

Think Slow, Act Fast -- Buster Keaton

[–] burgephoto 13 years ago

What is so funny to me is: Each time he steals a look back at the screen to see what the leading man is doing-- that look of absurd concentrarion on his face is absolutely priceless! I love the absurdity of his wit!

"Think slow, act fast." -- Buster Keaton