No one watches old movies anymore. With all apologies to any film scholars out there, we don’t know anyone who sits down to watch a silent film, or even a pre-war talkie these days. We don’t remember these movies anymore. But in some cases we do remember their stars. Even if you’ve never seen The General or Our Hospitality or Sherlock, Jr., chances are you know what Buster Keaton looks like. With his stone faced stare and polished attire, Keaton was one of the original straight men, playing up the madcap comedy of early cinema through his signature stoicism.
While many film historians herald Keaton as one of the finest actor-directors of all time, people of a younger generation are more apt to know Keaton for his look alone. In addition to his patented somber expression, Keaton is also known for being an immensely stylish presence on and off screen. Some eighty-plus years later, Keaton’s style appears far less archaic than many of his films. His outfits were straightforward, with just the right amount of eccentricity tossed in there for effect. His suits were peak lapeled, his sportcoats casual and coarse, and he often favored long-sleeve polos rather than standard dress-shirts. Keaton wasn’t just a character, he had character, and so his memory plays on, well after his life reached its final frame.
I was extremely happy to see this post. Buster Keaton is one of my all time favorite actors. Thank you.
I only watch old movies. I go to MOMA and the Film Forum in Manhattan. Love watching obscure silent Russian films with live piano accompaniment.
I just watched Metropolis the other day on Netflix. :)
I just waded through The Story of Film by Mark Cousins (on Netflix, making it possible to watch/listen/fadeout/fadein while working) for the silent movies. I know, I used to own a movie theater and I’m not like other girls, but people still watch old movies. Sadly, some ONLY watch old movies, which seems as sad as your assertion otherwise.
Let’s defy expectations today.
I watch old movies just as often as I do new ones, particularly silent films and early talkies. Not every person who adores older cinema is a film scholar or 90 years old. Don’t generalize.
I love watching (and rewatching) Harold Lloyd films.
I love his facial expression in all these photos! For someone who made (and still makes) so many people laugh, it’s very interesting to see that he himself doesn’t smile not even in one of these single pictures. He has such a profound gaze.