In August 2002, Entertainment Weekly promoted the box sets of silent film comics Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. In the brief article, entitled "Crash Course: Keaton vs. Chaplin," the author writes,"Charlie Chaplin was perhaps the most famous person on the planet for the first half of the 20th century; since then, Buster Keaton has slowly risen in esteem, to the point where he's now regarded as Chaplin's superior in filmmaking (true) and in comic genius (endlessly arguable). What's undeniable is that Charlie's sentimental sensibility was rooted in the music hall and vaudeville of the past, while Buster was a poker-faced modernist who pointed to the future. Chaplin's warm, in other words, while Keaton's cool, but both can paralyze you with laughter and stun you with sudden, unexplained emotion."
According to EW, Chaplin is sentimental, warm, and rooted in the past while Keaton is poker-faced, cool, and points to the future. With these characteristics in mind, some viewers claim that one star is "better" than the other, but such arguments are ultimately unproductive as both men are comic geniuses, each with his own style, character, and themes. Therefore, rather than discussing whether Keaton is superior to Chaplin or vice versa, why don't we consider which actor's persona and/or comic presentation YOU favor and why. In roughly 250 words, explain why you prefer the comedy, onscreen persona, narratives, etc. of Keaton OR Chaplin--not both. You must select one. To support your stance, cite at least one of the in-class films/clips we've seen of these two stars: The Gold Rush, City Lights, Sherlock Jr., and/or The General. As always, to direct your posting you should start with a thesis of some sort (e.g., I favor the comic films of Buster Keaton because they...; I enjoy the screen persona of Chaplin's tramp because it...; etc.)
Comic Genius
ReplyDeleteI favor the comic films of Buster Keaton because I personally enjoy his style and the fact that he performs all of his own stunts. He has an unbelievably unique style and it amazes me that he can keep such a straight face with everything that goes on around him. He consistently has a deadpan expression and never smiles and yet while watching him I cannot help but smile. Along with this I really enjoy how he reacts to objects around him and uses them in a comedic way. For example, in Sherlock Jr., when he is handed the banana he immediately decides to make the man slip on the peel, but he instead ends up slipping himself. While this is definitely a classic gag, the way he executes it with that same deadpan, almost pathetic expression makes it very unique in its own way. But also, while watching Sherlock Jr. I could not help but be mesmerized by the different stunts that Keaton did. My jaw dropped when I watched him dive through the window into woman's clothes, and I held my breath when he slid down that railroad crossing pole into the back of the car. In modern films one does not see such amazingly risky and impressive stunts, and if stunts are done, they certainly are not performed by the actual actor but rather they are done by a double. For the reasons I believe Buster Keaton is far and away one of the greatest comic geniuses of all time.
I prefer the films of Buster Keaton because of the many things Keaton puts into his movies. The stunts that Keaton includes in his movies are awe-inspiring and funny. In Sherlock Jr., Keaton sets up a case with a dress inside up against a window belonging to the hideout of the thieves. Keaton allows himself to be captured and as Keaton goes into the house and retrieves the stolen pearls (Keaton the director removes the wall of the house so the audiences can see the entire stunt in one take) he jumps through the window, transferring himself into an elderly woman and walking by the thieves without notice. His stunts are quick and fluid, always able to jump right back up and continue the story. Along with the stunts, I prefer the narrative of Keaton. His stories are about getting the girl, but only after failing to do so originally. Keaton sometimes puts a machine into that narrative, as in Steamboat Bill Jr. or The General when Keaton tries to retrieve his train and succeeds only after failing to do so after the first attempt. He does not need a supporting cast to be funny or tell a story. For the majority of One Week and The Electric House, Keaton was by himself with a house and props as his supporting cast. I enjoy his stories because of the character he portrays. He is determined to win the affection of the girl or conquer a machine. He never stops trying no matter how difficult it is for him.
ReplyDeleteAn argument for which do I perfer over Keaton or Chaplin makes for a difficult decision. Chaplin has the "Tramp", who is timeless in his portrayal of the loner that finds himself in strange circumstances. Keaton on the other hand had the continuity of his "stone face" look and ability to use many camera techniques with stunts. I personally perfer Keaton for numerous reasons. First is I like how Keaton was able to portray a great many number of characters, while still being able to keep his trademark style. This being able to branch out more than just a single great character impresses me more, and is more indicative of great comedians today. Also the cahracters of Keaton, I felt were more "warm" feeling as Keaton was able to be in what seemed to be more beleivable situations, and also I always found the Tramp to be much more of an oddity than I think was intended. Also when talking of Keaton, one must his great stunt work, which seems to be revolutionary. It shows his commitment, to the film, by doings things people wouldnt do today. For example when he breaks his neck in the train scene of SHERLOCK JUNIOR. Keaton's abiltiy to have a larger range of depth than Chaplin is the main reason I perfer him.
ReplyDeleteWhile Charlie Chaplin definitely invented the more memorable fictional character, I prefer Buster Keaton's work. As the Entertainment Weekly article said, Keaton was pointed toward the future. His physical stunts were absolutely amazing; even when compared to modern film they are breath-taking. One can't help but think of Jackie Chan or Jet Li when trying to compare Keaton's personal stunt work with actors who do their own stunts. And much like those stars who perform their own stunts, Keaton has received many injuries, such as the broken neck from being blast down by a cascade of water in Sherlock Jr. I prefer Keaton's comedic style because he combined awesome stunts with visual gags.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I prefer Buster Keaton over Charlie Chaplin. Sure, Chaplin's "Tramp" character is a figure tat stands out in the film world, Keaton's personal expression really take the cake. While in a set, Keaton makes full use of any and all props that he can. The way he embraces the technological aspects of the era inspired the advancement of both film and technology itself. His fame also increased because of his knack for doing his own stunts. In Sherlock Jr., one would expect someone else to grab that water spout or the railroad crossing bar instead of that actual actor, but no, Keaton did it himself. While Chaplin is comic in his own respects, I'd favor Keaton's daring stunts and gags over him anyday.
ReplyDeleteI lean more towards the comedy films of Charlie Chaplin because i like stupid comedy (meaning i like dumb or dorky comedy only if the actor can make it look funny, and i think Champlin does a great job at that, i guess they call it "slapstick"). I love Chaplins char. the Tramp because he's almost like a free spirit and always seem to find himself in somekind of trouble (the things he's caught up in is so damn funny) but in the end things turn out good. I like the story that was told in THE GOLD RUSH and in some small way i can relate to the char. (having a crush on a very pretty girl, i would have left her alone after i got paid though since she was playing me before the cash came in, that's just how i would've ended the movie). Chaplin has something that catches me from jump, the look (the tramp costume)and the appearance of innocence. Buster was also great but since his comedy revolved around stunts (sweet ones too to be done in his day and age, all by him e.g. Jackie Chan), it was more of a "wow" or "cool" instead of a chuckle or bust out laughing when watching his films.
ReplyDeleteA Dedicated Star
ReplyDeleteI prefer Buster Keaton over Chaplin even though both are very good. the reason i like Buster Keaton better though is because of his dedication to his films like the way he does all his own stunts, mind you both men are very dedicated.
my favorite stun Keaton did had to be the one where he broke his neck and didn't even relize it or if he did kept going on with the scene if you ask me that takes dedication.
I prefer the comic style of Buster Keaton over that of Charlie Chaplin. I like the fact that Keaton used technology to improve his comic timing in his films. In SHERLOCK JR. the gag with the motorcycle was funnier than anything Chaplin could ever do. His stunts that he did by himself were something to marvel at as well. The things he was willing to do for his film, like break his neck, took more dedication than I see filmakers today take. The fact that Keaton performed his own stunts is one thing but he also directed most of his work as well. He is truly one of the most talented filmaker of his time and a true comic genius. It is a shame that he could not make it in the coming of sound to the level of genius he was in the silent period. I feel that he had more artistic talent that couln't be observed with the introdution of sound.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the work of Charlie Chaplin to that of Buster Keaton. I really just like the character of The Tramp. To me he seems, in such films like GOLD RUSH, to just be a more lovable, fun character. For some reason, Buster Keaton just didn't really make me feel anything for SHERLOCK JR. I thought GOLD RUSH was really entertaining and I loved what we saw of CITY LIGHTS. My favorite Chaplin scene is the scene where he is at that dance, shindig, thing and that dog is just dragging him around. His movements were so perfect and over the top, I partook in a nice chuckle at his expense.
ReplyDeletePersonally I believe that Charlie Chaplin is a much more talented artist and was way ahead of his time. THE GREAT DICTATOR a serious yet still humor filled film that Chaplin wrote, directed, and played multiple characters in shows his great versatility. Chaplin was also capable of acting in the “talkies” which helped guarantee him a spot in history as one of the greatest actors and filmmakers of all time. I believe the early Chaplin films THE GOLD RUSH and CITY LIGHTS we viewed so far in this course were groundbreaking and very entertaining but they were not the best representation of any of his numerous talents. I believe buster Keaton is a much better stuntman but just because he did his own stunts doesn’t mean he is a versatile artist he is either just brave or stupid. I have a lot of respect for crazy people especially when they prove their insanity in front of a camera because I tend to be one of those types but I feel Keaton’s “stone face” was his downside in being a great actor because it brought humor to every situation. The film THE GREAT DICTATOR is a more powerful demonstration of all of Chaplin’s abilities and after seeing that years ago I am positive that Charlie Chaplin is one of the greatest performers and writers of all time.
ReplyDeleteKeaton Comes Out on Top
ReplyDeleteLooking at the comic genius of both Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, it is a tough assignment to decide which of these two I choose. I look at the movies today and how they are influenced by these remarkable artists. I am overwhelming drawn back to the action, athleticism, and self-stunt work of Buster Keaton. In these modern times movies are getting more and more over the top, with cars flying in mid-air only to crash in large pyrotechnic explosions, buildings exploding with incredible force, and stratospheric gun fights. All of these special effects seem to have been done to death. It is the simple yet complex stunts featured in the movie; SHERLOCK JR. C. 1929 that I believe inspired modern-day action heroes like Jackie Chan, Matt Damon, and Daniel Craig. The brilliance of Keaton is not only confined to his physical attributes, but his plain and simple looks into the camera. These facial expressions work perfectly to help the viewer understand the attitude of the scene. I found myself watching the “stone-faced” Keaton and feeling the anticipation of his next comedic stunt. I love watching performances that entice me to watch more of his or her work. I never thought that I would be interested so much in the work of a silent era icon, but Buster Keaton can add me as a fan.
From the stunts in Sherlock Jr. to the Train scene in The General, Buster Keaton was my favorite. For any actor who would still perform with a broken neck, really shows commitment and dedication to his work. Keaton was funny, and brilliant with his stunts. He was the best in his time, and I am sure some of his styles are still embraced in today's movies. When I was watching his films with no ‘talking’ in the movie, I was very impressed how Keaton was able to have me tuned in for the whole film. He did things that made me, wonder whats next? And he would do something crazy or funny, that would keep my attention. I’m sure back in the day, he was probably a great person to work with in films, because of his personality and charisma. Charisma was very important in those films, because that was the only way to keep the audience’s attention. Keaton didn’t just keep the audience’s attention, but he gave a unpredictable great performance each time he was in front of the camera. In his time, there wasn’t a green screen for special effects, and the actor had no stunt man (at least not for Keaton). He is my favorite, because what he did was truly amazing and awesome.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy Buster Keaton's films much more than those of Chaplin. Keaton's use of machines give his films a modern feel, allowing me to connect to them much better. In Sherlock Jr. Keaton used many technologies to aid him; cars, projectors, and the window stunt. Car chases are frequent in current cinema, which allows many younger viewers the chance to connect with the older Keaton films. The skill that Keaton posseses to do all of his own stunts amazes me as well. In Chaplin films, the stunts that we see are simple, and not so entertaining. Keaton's daringness adds to his films, as well as his attitude. He plays it cool all the time. He is honest and seemingly innocent. In Sherlock Jr., Keaton plays the innocent victim, and also gives the money back to the people who had lost it,which is much more attractive than the cocky Chaplin we see in the end of The Gold Rush. Keaton does what is right. Chaplin does not do as good of a job with winning the audience over. Keaton's ability to connect with a modern audience, his elaborate stunts, and his caring, honest, innocent attitude, to me, make him more appealing than Chaplin.
ReplyDeleteSo it's Buster Keaton Vs Charlie Chaplin in "The Battle of Who's Better in my Brain." I enjoyed watching both of the actor’s films and I appreciate what they offered to early comedy, one sticks out to me better than the other. Though Chaplin's "Tramp" persona is pretty likeable after a while, I'd honestly have to go with Keaton. Sherlock Jr., hands down, won it for me. I love how resourceful he was in and with the movie. The "Editing Scene" where he's at the mercy of the film's editing I thought was brilliant especially at that time. Also the way he utilizes his surroundings in the film was pretty slick, especially the jumping through the window into women’s clothing and using the railroad crossing lever to fall into the villain’s car. His character’s persona I found hilarious. The constant stone cold look no matter what the situation; I loved, much similar to Christopher Walken’s style of acting (or speaking) today. Although I thought Chaplin’s clumsy tramp was amusing I’d much rather have my money on the sly character Keaton is, and that’s why Keaton wins my brain.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the comedy of Buster Keaton over Charlie Chaplin. I like action type movies moreso than any other type of movie. Buster Keaton worked well into this type of comedy. The clips of Keaton that we watched in class showcased the stunts from his movies. I just found all the jokes that came from his using a train, a house, all these big objects worked better for me. The bit with the cannon in THE GENERAL had me laughing more than at a comparable Charlie Chaplin stunt. Also the use of effects in his movies are cater to my tastes. The best example is the sequence in SHERLOCK JR. in which the projectionist walks into the film he is watching and experiences all the scene changes. He is shocked when the first cut ocurrs, but quickly accepts what happens and just rolls with each new cut.
ReplyDeleteThough both Chaplin and Keaton are comic geniuses, I prefer the work of Keaton, as Keaton’s persona and films are more humorous, and superior, in general. While Chaplin is known for his trademark character the Tramp, what makes Keaton distinctive is his characteristics and style of acting. Chaplin’s Tramp goes out of his way to be humorous, while Keaton acts normal and deadpan in humorous situations. What is especially impressive with Keaton is the stunts he does. No stunts or tricks in The Gold Rush rival those in Sherlock Jr. such as the chase with Keaton on the handlebars of a motorcycle; Keaton literally broke his neck while filming a scene! The abundance of action in Keaton’s films generally makes them more fun and interesting to watch. Also, Keaton’s film plots are more creative; while both Chaplin’s and Keaton’s films are centered on the situations their characters get into, Keaton’s plotlines have more depth and creativity to them. In Sherlock Jr., Keaton’s character lives a double life, as a projectionist and a wannabe detective, while part of the film takes place in his mind as a dream. I also prefer Keaton’s embracement of the modern world and machinery. While Chaplin is more sentimental and nostalgic, Keaton is more modern and forward thinking, which I find more appealing. Chaplin’s humor obviously has it’s place, but by and large I prefer the work of Keaton.
ReplyDeleteI must say that I prefer the comedies of Buster Keaton to those of Charlie Chaplin. While Charlie’s timeless tramp character is extremely enjoyable, I have found myself mesmerized by Keaton and his amazing stunts. The scene in Sherlock Jr. (1924) where Buster Keaton jumps through a bow in a window and comes out with a dress on left me speechless. Keaton even breaks his neck from a stunt in The General (1927) in which he is forced down onto a train track by a high-pressured stream of water. His humor is different from that of Charlie Chaplin’s. Buster Keaton can be much darker than Chaplin, often dwelling on the subject of death while Chaplin floats about in a candy-coated world. I enjoy the real world sense within Keaton’s humor. Keaton also has a dry way of reacting to certain situations in which Chaplin would react very differently. Chaplin is more ‘comical’ with his reactions, often jumping, flailing his arms, and using very punctual facial expressions. Keaton, however, chooses to react calmly and straight-faced to the obscurities of a comedy film, almost as if siding with the audience, a fellow observer. Keaton’s calm observations give a hilarious vibe of frustrated sarcasm that really strikes me on a comical level.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the comic styling of Charlie Chaplin. I prefer him over Buster Keaton because of his sentimentality. I feel a connection with Chaplin and his struggles in life. For example, in the Gold Rush, he dreams of when the women from town will come and join him for dinner. It is almost as though he needs his own humor as an escape. Buster Keaton's deadpan allows me to disconnect from his struggles. His lack of expression makes him seem more in control of his own person, even when the world is crumbling around him. Chaplin to me is a more personable character and his comedy allows me to relate to him on a higher level.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy watching Buster Keaton more than Charlie Chaplin because of a couple of reasons. Keaton embraces future developments and brings them into his films. As we all know technology becomes the center of our universe in the 21st century. SHERLOCK JR. has Buster Keaton in motorcycle chases with himself and floating cars on lakes. These quite advanced technical stunts are way ahead of Keaton’s time. It is sub-consciously more familiar to me in this day and age. Not only is the technology amazing, but also his stunts, which he does on his own, are shocking. I never expected any of those stunts in the movie SHERLOCK JR. From falling from a railway arm into a car to jumping from trains, is incredible. Stunt doubles were not common, so breaking his neck and still finishing shots is really impressive. Buster Keaton was the start of action comedies that are so popular these days. I favor Keaton more than Chaplin when it comes to acting as well. Buster Keaton plays characters that are average people and bring their stories to life. The crazy situations that he gets himself into are because of accidents in his surrounding, which is different than Chaplin. Chaplin gets himself into trouble by doing strange and silly things. Keaton does not play up jokes or become overly dramatic is difficult situations. This humor appears more genuine to me, which makes it funnier. Since we live with so much technology and material surrounding us, Buster Keaton’s jokes can apply more to our time period. I understand and connect better with Keaton, because he correctly predicted the futures lifestyle and used it to create a more innovative film style.
ReplyDeleteFirst I must say, that while Chaplin's sense of humor was easier to embrace with its playful demeanor I found Keaton to be the superior artist in both his writing and directing. Buster Keaton's films seemed to often times be functioning on a deeper level, dealing with topics that are often hard to portray without upsetting an audience. The forgoing aside, Keaton genuinely seemed to be more clever, his stories were more interesting, the way his characters overcame the problems presented to them was planned and executed with finesse and the composition of the films themselves often times seemed more professional. In The General there are several scenes wherein clever problem solving and creativity are more then evident. Firstly, then the villainous Northern rebels attempt to derail the train carrying Keaton, the laid large logs on the tracks, Keaton responds by climbing off the train and removing the first one, the train then hits him and lifts continues on with him on the front grate, he then uses the first log to knock the second up and out of the way. The level of precision and planning behind that scene must have been meticulously thought out. So I conclude, Buster Keaton (and I regret using this saying as I find if philosophically flawed) was a film maker ahead of his time, and is now one or my favorite directors and has inspired me to further my interest in film composition.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy watching the movies made by Charlie Chaplin and the character of his Tramp, this probably happens because I like to relate to the movies I watch. Chaplin’s Tramp is a lovable sweet person, who I just feel really comfortable with. Chaplin shows a side of the human inner part, and shows how he goes through life even though he doesn’t have anything and sometimes nobody to share a life with. Another thing I really liked that he did was that he showed how money wasn’t everything in the world. An example would be the movie THE GOLD RUSH, where the Tramp goes on with his life, and now that he has money he still thinks about the girl that he fell in love with. I feel really comfortable with this kind of movie and I think that Chaplin does a perfect job in doing so.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the comic presence of Charlie Chaplin over that of Buster Keaton. Chaplin is an adorable, gullible, and a soft character where Keaton is a more serious and sullen character. Chaplin, the “Tramp”, brings a more enjoyable, stupid, and humorous comedy to his audiences. He is a small man, quite dorky in a way, and gets himself into some wild predicaments. In THE GOLD RUSH, he stays in a cabin with two much larger men and is almost eaten by one of them. He is the small nerd which gets picked on and thrown around but still manages to carry on like nothing has phased him. Also in THE GOLD RUSH, when he happens to make a date with a lovely woman, he jumps around his cabin, breaking pillows and sending feathers everywhere. He is an enjoyable character to watch for his fun and joyous presence. Also different from Keaton is that Chaplin has made himself an image. Chaplin in all his films wears his little black cap, with his over sized pants and raggedy clothes. His look makes him recognizable to audiences around the world and adds much to his humor. Chaplin’s comedies are always fun to watch with his klutzy, curious, and happy ways of doing things. He is always faced with a problem but he always twists it to make it a hilarious journey for the audience. These are some of the reasons I prefer to watch Chaplin over Keaton, but in the end, I believe there is no way to compare the two.
ReplyDeleteThe Comical style of Buster Keaton
ReplyDeleteBuster Keaton uses of props both small and massive greatly adds to his humorous shorts and films. His uses with a train from start to finish as both an extension of himself and somewhat its own character in most of his films definitely adds to the overall story. This is best seen in “The General” when he goes after his own stolen train from Union soldiers. As describe earlier in subtitle, the train (General) is his second love along with his girlfriend. Throughout the film, he uses another train to close in on the spies and during each chase sequence, the train itself somehow aids him during the pursuit and in someway, becomes a character itself (the mortar scarring the soldiers into thinking that there more than one person chasing them, the cowcatcher helping to clear the line from falling debris thrown by the spies, etc…). The character physical features to me, kinds helps my decision into preference of which one is better when on the screen. Keaton’s stone, blank expression that he has from start to finish for some reason just works in just about any decision that he is in. Weather he in chase of somehow, trying to crack a mystery, or trying to figure out how to get past an obstacle that in his way; it just adds to the humor that he is portraying in each and every scene.