Groundbreaking Action Cinema - Part 3 - THE GENERAL

 The General: Action-Comedy (sans sound!)

 

How wonderful it must have been to watch film take off as a medium. While it was first viewed as a novelty (I say, my good man! Lookit! Moving pictures!), a blessed few saw its worth and sought to unlock the secrets of visual storytelling. Silent comedy became the most popular example of film's potential, its clever sight-gags luring in audiences worldwide.

Geniuses like Charlie Chaplin even found a way to tug at the heart strings with competently-made stories of adventure, social adversity, and heroism. Then, of course, opposite to Chaplin's iconic "Tramp" persona, was Buster "Stoneface" Keaton,  who made a fine career out of stunt-oriented comedies and pushed the envelope for physical feats on film (to the point of inspiring the likes of Jackie Chan, who openly pays homage to the man's antics in his own work!).

 Enter The General, arguably his greatest contribution to the silver screen, where Buster's character must save his love from a band of renegade Civil War troops. Here is a a remarkable combination of visual amusement and physical ingenuity, where all of the big jokes are simultaneously thrilling and hilarious. Buster throws himself into physical peril with fox-like speed and an indifferent blankness, even while knocking debris from the track at the very front of a moving train. What sets this film apart from his other great comedies is its concrete focus on story and character through the actions of its protagonist. Even if it doesn't necessarily have the most hysterical imagery and gags, we get a stronger sense of tension as the odds get stacked and the puzzles get trickier.

In conclusion, though some aspects of the movie might seem a bit questionable through a contemporary lens (wait....he's fighting for the Confederacy?? o.o), Keaton's impact on the evolution of action is immense, and anybody looking for older thrills should look no further than Stoneface's best (...although I've only seen two of his movies now that I think about....screw it. This movie's still great!)

What's more, the film has been in the public domain for decades...meaning I have absolutely no qualms linking you fine folks to it just below! ;) Grab some popcorn and enjoy!





*The General is available in numerous releases, but true enthusiasts may consider the collector's set from KINO, with a pristine restoration and neat extras (including an introduction by Orson Welles!)