The Cameraman

The Cameraman is a seminal silent movie, released in 1928. It features the prodigious talent - Buster Keaton - whose comedic timing and physical slapstick abilities are on full throttle in this 1920s classic. Regarded as one of the last silent era comedy films, The Cameraman masterfully blends action, romance, and comedy that stands the test of time.

Our protagonist, Buster Keaton, plays a Buster (a character named after himself) - a young man who works as a photographic tin-type portrait photographer. He dreams of more, yearning for excitement and the prospect of new adventures, aspiring to be a newsreel cameraman for MGM Newsreels. This rather ambitious dream is fueled by two driving factors. First is his enchantment with journalism, reporting, and the entire bustle of the newsroom, and second is his infatuation with a beautiful secretary named Sally, portrayed by actress Marceline Day, who works for MGM Newsreels.

Buster, determined to catch her attention, purchases a second-hand, clunky camera – the likes of which the film industry no longer uses. Even though this camera is dated and highly complicated, he is devoted to mastering it. Here, hilarity ensues as Buster finds himself in a series of comic sequences, from hilarious encounters with a monkey, to an unexpected commitment to a public swimming pool, to filming his adventures out on the streets – Buster's attempts to maneuver the daunting new landscape of newsreel making positions him as a comedic underdog.

However, in The Cameraman, Keaton is more than just a simple slapstick fool. He adds depth to his character, portraying Buster as the quintessential regular guy who, against all odds, refuses to give up on his dreams. His sheer determination proves to be infectious, leading the audience to rally around him, cheering him on in all his misadventures.

Marceline Day, as Sally, brings a genuine charm and warmth on screen. She is the object of our hero’s affection - an endearing maiden who reciprocates Buster's feelings, providing some of the film's sweetest moments. Her kindness, her grace, and her soft-heartedness towards Buster add to the film's romantic subplot.

Harold Goodwin’s role as Harold Stagg, the company's established and arrogant newsreel man, adds an element of sophisticated comedy. Stagg becomes Buster's comedic foil, creating a love triangle that fuels an equal part of the story. Stagg's haughty behavior and disdain for Buster's clumsy efforts increase the stakes in not just the professional, but the romantic sphere too.

Moreover, the film is filled with iconic action scenes and stunts that are suggestive of Keaton’s trademark craftsmanship, predating the antics of action-hero movies. The famous scene where Keaton films what he thinks is a peace parade, not knowing that a riot is happening right behind him, is an illustration of his comedic acumen. Meanwhile, his agility, intense athletic form, and the ability to endure dangerous yet hilarious situations add a distinct flair to the comedy.

Edward Sedgwick, being the main director of the movie (with Keaton serving as an uncredited co-director) has done an commendable job in crafting an endearing tale that is both comedic and heartwarming. The camerawork and the beautiful portrayal of New York City as a backdrop give the silent film a robust life of its own.

The Cameraman serves as a poignant reminder of Keaton's genius. The film is not just a comedy, but a love letter to the everyday man who works relentlessly to make his dreams come true. Keaton's Buster is an embodiment of stylized slapstick, physical comedy, sincerity, optimism, and resilience wrapped in a feature offering a delightful romp through the golden age of film-making.

Today, The Cameraman remains a classic of the silent era, beloved by film historians, enthusiasts, and general audiences alike. It offers an inviting showcase of Keaton's aura as an actor, performer, and a celebrated comic visionary. His physical and emotional investment in the film evokes laughter, sympathy, and certificates Keaton as an indomitable and charismatic personality of the silent film era. An engaging narrative replete with innovative stunts, comic timing, and a subtle romance, 'The Cameraman' indeed stands as a testament to Buster Keaton’s enduring legacy.