The Great Buster: A Celebration

The Great Buster: A Celebration is a 2018 documentary film that celebrates the life and work of one of America's most celebrated actors and comedians, Buster Keaton. Directed by Peter Bogdanovich, the film covers the span of Keaton's career, from his early beginnings as a vaudeville performer to his later years as a beloved icon of the silent film era.

The documentary is filled with interviews from many of the industry’s greatest minds, such as Mel Brooks, Dick Van Dyke, Werner Herzog, Quentin Tarantino, Tim Burton, and more. These interviews provide insight into the impact Buster Keaton had on the film industry, and details on how his comedy classics like The General and Steamboat Bill Jr. evolved.

One of the most interesting aspects of The Great Buster: A Celebration is the way it delves deep into Keaton's unique style of physical comedy. Featuring clips from his early vaudeville acts, silent films, and later, television series and commercials, viewers get a sense of Keaton's exceptional physical prowess, which was a product of his extensive training in acrobatics and gymnastics as a child.

Additionally, the documentary provides a comprehensive look at Keaton's directorial career, during which he made some of the most beloved comedies of all time, such as Cops, The Playhouse, and The Cameraman. One important interview is of Frank Capra, who discussed Keaton's work as a director and how Keaton was before his time when it came to showing comedic storylines through film, creating a storyline for comedy.

Ultimately, The Great Buster: A Celebration offers an honest and insightful celebration of Keaton's remarkable career and his impact on the film industry. As a skilled visual storyteller, Buster Keaton's influence is still seen in humorous and comical films today.

In summary, The Great Buster: A Celebration is a must-see for lovers of classic silent films and for those who are passionate about the history of cinema. It offers compelling interviews while highlighting Keaton's skills and directing talents. With its rich archive of footage and clips, The Great Buster: A Celebration is a fitting tribute to one of the most influential comedians and actors of all time. Fans of Buster Keaton and classic comedy should add this film to their watchlist.