Go West

Go West, released in 1925, is one of comedian Buster Keaton's superb forays into the world of silent cinema. Directed by Keaton himself, and featuring Howard Truesdale and Kathleen Myers, Go West serves as a testament to Keaton's comedy genius which was not restricted to the mere acquisition of laughs, but expanded to include the careful construction of story and character.

The film kicks off by introducing the audiences to Friendless, aptly portrayed by Keaton. In contrast to his nickname, Friendless is not a disheartening individual as his name would suggest; instead, he is a character imbued with charm and finesse, and his inherent haplessness only serves to endear him to the viewers. At the start of the film, we encounter Friendless in the midst of a personal crossroads, grappling with the harsh realities of urban living. In an effort to escape his unfulfilled existence in the city, he decides to venture into the promise of opportunity presented by the American West.

Howard Truesdale embodies the role of a ranch owner who takes Friendless under his wing after his painfully hilarious attempts at cow herding. Truesdale's character serves as an engaging counterpoint to Friendless's ineptitude, and the dynamics between the two characters provide several memorable instances of comedy. Kathleen Myers, the female lead, injects an aspect of romantic intrigue into this essentially comedic narrative, further enhancing the multidimensional appeal of the film.

One of the unique aspects of Go West is Keaton's ability to leverage the surrounding landscapes as a narrative tool. The wide, panoramic shots of the Western landscape often comment on Friendless’s isolation and help establish his character's journey.

The film features several hilarious situations and jokes that were quintessential Keaton, in terms of both execution and imagination. Despite being a silent comic, Keaton made commendable use of props and physical comedy to induce laughter, and Go West is no exception. He maneuvers around cows, populates the screen with chase sequences, and in a classic Keaton twist, finds love in the most unlikely of places. Scenes where Keaton struggles to adapt to cowboy life, to the point of being openly shunned by a pack of cows, are commendable for their timing and execution.

On the surface, Go West may seem like a simple story about a man trying to change his life for the better. Yet, in Keaton's capable hands, it becomes a tale as grand as the landscape it is set in. In the film, he explores the human desire for companionship, touching lightly upon themes of loneliness. Keaton includes a recurring bovine character, Brown Eyes, through which he explores these ideas.

A notable aspect of Go West is its departure from formulaic slapstick comedy. While it still features Keaton's signature physical humor, it also introduces an endearing layer of sentimentality. This amalgamation of comedy and sentiment—which was quite novel for its time—not only showcases Keaton's versatility but increases the film's appeal to a wider audience.

The film's climax comes with a dramatic cattle drive through the city, a scene that's now regarded as one of the most memorable in film history. It highlights Keaton’s penchant for visually stunning slapstick while reinforcing his love for cinematic spectacles.

In terms of cinematography, each frame of Go West blossoms with meticulous planning and attention to detail that is trademark Keaton. Keaton, a master comedian and director, knew the importance of visual storytelling, and it is evident in the shots composed throughout the film; he finds humor not just in actions, but in the placement, timing, and framing of those actions.

In conclusion, Go West is a classic silent film, brimming with hilarious antics and heart-touching moments. The film is a testament to Buster Keaton's timeless comedic genius, blending physical humor with operational aesthetics and capturing the essence of the silent era. It is a must-watch for fans of Classic Hollywood and comedy lovers alike, offering a unique blend of hilarity, sentimentality, and remarkable visual storytelling.