College

College, a 1927 silent comedy film, is a masterwork showcasing the talents of the beloved star Buster Keaton, who also co-directed the film with James W. Horne. The movie is a comedic and somewhat satirical take on the fervor and competitiveness of college life during the Roaring 20s. This iconic film portrays the life of academic-minded Ronald, played by Keaton, in his quest to win over the heart of his high-school classmate, Mary Haines. His academically centered life takes an unexpected turn when his affection for Mary, played by Anne Cornwall, compels him to get enrolled in Clayton College.

Sporting his famous stone-faced expression, Keaton perfectly embodies the high school graduate Ronald, a studious, innocent, and physically unfit young man. Critics hail College as a monument to Keaton’s duel talent as an actor and a director, grandly embodying physical comedy while still maintaining the subtlest emotional nuances. He undoubtedly displays his full array of talents, making the routine trials and tribulations of college life look captivating with effortless physical humor and cheeky expressions.

In the film, Ronald persistently considers sport as his nemesis, given his insurmountable ineptness in physical activities. Despite his high school valedictorian status, Ronald believes he does not impress Mary with his academic achievements alone while she prefers the athleticism and popularity of his rival, Jeff Brown. Mary's apparent partiality towards athletes drives Ronald to defy his logical instincts and embark on a farcical journey in an attempt to impress her.

The story explores the comedic endeavors of Ronald in his struggle to become an athlete in the college, overlooking his inherent genius for academic learning. The plot cleverly unveils how he navigates through various ordeals, from his efforts to master rowing to his hysterical attempts at track and field events, which ends up in a succession of hilarious and sometimes disastrous scenes. Ronald's journey to become an athlete despite his anti-sportive character becomes a backbone of the movie, giving Keaton ample opportunities to showcase his physical comedy skills.

Anne Cornwall, playing Mary Haines, brings an elegant sweetness to her role, serving as the perfect foil to Keaton’s Ronald. Her character illuminates the screen with a charming allure, enhancing the overall comical narrative. Flora Bramley plays the role of a coed, performing admirably in her role and complimenting the hilarious antics of Keaton.

The film captures the pure essence of the silent era, with meticulously scripted slapstick gags and finely crafted visuals accompanying the humorous narrative. The cinematography proves extraordinary, with interesting shots that highlight the grandeur of the athletic competitions and the vibrant life on a typical American college campus of the era.

This black-and-white classic is notable for Buster Keaton’s iconic physical stunts that are precariously impressive, including a memorable sequence of his attempts to work various campus jobs simultaneously. His praiseworthy stunts, coupled with his unparalleled comic timing, make this film genuinely hilarious, keeping the viewer entertained every moment.

Two key themes run through the film – the value of being true to oneself and the critique of over-obsession with physical prowess. Keaton amicably crafts the narrative around these themes, offering layer upon layer of brilliant comedy while also provoking deeper thoughts about societal standards of attraction and success.

Once again, the combination of Keaton’s agility, the magic of his comedic timing, and his knack for creating compelling narratives result in a captivating film experience. Despite being made almost a century ago, College still stands as an entertaining exploration of the comedy genre, brimming with Keaton's trademark blend of physical comedy and subtly emotional storytelling.

Overall, College is not just a silent film but a complete package radiating with 1920’s nostalgia, enriched with authentic and humorous characters, an engaging plot, and top-notch performances. Whether you are a silent film enthusiast or not, College, with its timeless comedy and carefully crafted storyline is a must-watch, promising a captivating and entertaining viewing experience.