When I first saw this movie in the book, I performed an amazing, over-the-top eye roll. I LOVE Sherlock Holmes (I have read every story I could get my greedy hands on) and I was positive this would be some spoof that would disgrace Holmes. However, I should have just trusted Buster Keaton. This movie was by far my favorite so far. It was funny, impressive, and entertaining.
This film is simply amazing. First of all, it is only 44 minutes. I felt like I was watching an episode of an extremely funny show. This movie felt really modern and not just because of the amazing stunts performed by our favorite badass, Buster Keaton. There are very little title cards and when they are there, there are there for jokes, not to move the story along. Buster Keaton is incredible at being awkward and adorable and provides the perfect lovable lead. I am absolutely baffled at how they pulled off some of the stunts (wtf??????). It is also really cool that the jokes are still funny after almost 90 years.
The movie centers around Keaton, a man who desperately wants to be a detective (who doesn't?) but in reality projects movies for a living. He is accused of stealing a guy's watch. While he is asleep, he dreams that he is the greatest of detectives and solves the crime (I initially thought he had died and I was freaking out!). Unlike other silent movies I advised you to watch, this will not take over your life for a day. Hurray for short silent films!
RATING: ****- (I would give it five but that is reserved for my top favorites. I don't think a silent film will ever cut it because I think dialogue makes a movie.)
Interesting Facts:
Buster broke his neck and didn't even know it in this film. It is weird that he always is so awkward in his movies around women but he is like the biggest daredevil. I really need to stop falling in love with dead guys (Gregory Peck, Cary Grant, Buster Keaton, etc.).
I am enjoying the streaks of Keaton films so much more than I enjoyed the streaks of Griffith films.
If you go to this page, a lot of his tricks are explained.
I did not even have to worry about spoofing Sherlock. The title was more of a joke on how bad of detective Keaton was. I thought they were making Holmes have a son or something (whoosh!).
You can watch this on YouTube or Netflix Watch Instantly. Since that would be easy enough to find, I included a short video I found that contains funny clips from the movie just to give you a preview:
Perfect Buster Keaton feature. Maybe my favorite and my son's as well. The jumping in and out of films was so ahead of its time.
ReplyDeleteI agree! But my favorite might be Our Hospitality.
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