Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin are often compared and counterposed. The main similarity between them lies in the fact that they are legendary figures and comic actors who contributed greatly to the development of the silent film. Importantly, these two actors starred in slapstick comedies, which are characterized by exaggerated physical activity. Nonetheless, the works of Chaplin and Keaton are quite different in so that Chaplin’s movies are rich in comedic facial expressions while Keaton is famous for his “Stoneface”. His facial expression was effective as it turned his characters into stoic heroes, who could remain inscrutable in almost any setting (Da218835, 2015). This manner also allowed Keaton to use his eyes to express the feelings and emotions of his character. Apart from that, the work of the two actors and filmmakers is different in the themes and content they emphasized. Charlie Chaplin’s movies brought various social and political issues to the forefront. Meanwhile, Keaton’s films placed a particular emphasis on acrobatic performance and content that could be easily deconstructed by the viewer.
The author of this paper identifies with Chaplin more than with Keaton. On the one hand, the writer was carried away by the dinner episode in “The Scarecrow”; the scene was full of action and minor but important details (Orange Cat Blues, 2013). On the other hand, Chaplin’s movies raise important social topics and provide room for speculation. The author of this writing appreciates content supported by the visual imagery, which is more characteristic of Chaplin’s movies. Keaton’s stunts in Steamboat Bill Jr. remind me of films with Jackie Chan in which the actor also showed absurd, humorous, and, at the same time, extraordinary stunts with ease. However, the main difference is that Keaton’s characters never showed any emotion.
References
- Da218835. (2015). Steamboat Bill, jr. (1928)[Video file]. Web.
- Orange Cat Blues. (2013).Buster Keaton: The scarecrow [Video file]. Web.