1. How did he get his start? How did his family and vaudeville influence his development?
His film debut was in The Butcher Boy in 1917. He was mentored by "Fatty" Arbuckle. His family was in vaudeville acts and this influenced him greatly because he was thrown across the stage roughly and he had to retain his serious facial expression. His life from early on involved lots of pain and he had to absorb it. His childhood created his artistic persona. Most of his movies turn out to be pessimistic.
2. What is unique about Keaton's comedy?
Keaton's comedy was very realistic and he used his physical motions instead of his facial expression. In some of his films, the character was aware the camera was there.
3. How does the writer compare Keaton to Chaplin?
The writer compares Keaton to Chaplin by saying that they both had a gift for movement, but Keaton had very modern instincts.
4. How did Keaton's career end?
His career ended because he didn't succeed in "talkies" or movies where they talked. His voice was low, hoarse and cracked at times. He was fired because his movies didn't make that much money and because of his alcoholism. He was divorced by Natalie Talmadge, and lost his mansion, children, career and life.
No comments:
Post a Comment