Buster Keaton: The Short Films Collection 1920-1923

Buster Keaton: The Short Films Collection 1920-1923 from Kino Lorber is a comprehensive compilation of short films featuring the iconic silent film actor, comedian, and stunt performer, Buster Keaton. The collection is an absolute treasure trove for fans of classic silent era comedy and provides a fascinating glimpse into the formative years of one of the medium's greatest talents.

Born into a vaudeville family in 1895, Keaton started performing at a tender age, developing a knack for physical comedy and an aptitude for stunts that would become his signature approach to comedy. His acting style, characterized by a stoical persona and deadpan eye-rolling, earned him the nickname "The Great Stone Face."

This collection comprises 19 films spanning from 1920 to 1923, which mark the first independent works of Keaton. These short films are not only fascinating snapshots of a bygone era in filmmaking, but also a testament to Keaton's skill as a performer and his innovative approach to visual storytelling.

Buster Keaton's trademark physical comedy is in full display in these films. Keaton often performed dangerous stunts himself without using a double, and these films are filled to the brim with slapstick comedy, subtly executed gags, and astonishing feats of daring. The collection showcases Keaton's mastery of visual comedy, with novels and unexpected gags resulting from his innovative use of props, sets, and locations. There's rarely a dull moment in any of these short films, and their comic timing remains incredibly precise, continuing to draw laughter even after nearly a century.

The films also feature Keaton's early experiments with film narrative and form. Keaton was not merely a physical comic but a visionary filmmaker who was not afraid to push the boundaries of the medium. These films show him playing with cinematic conventions, experimenting with perspective, framing, and editing in ways that were revolutionary for their time.

Aside from their technical prowess, the films in Buster Keaton: The Short Films Collection 1920-1923 are also a brilliant showcase of Keaton's comic persona. His characters, often the 'everyman' in ludicrous situations, display a wealth of emotion while maintaining his signature stone-faced facade. This collection allows audiences to observe the evolution of Keaton's screen persona, tracing his journey from vaudeville performer to one of silent cinema's most celebrated stars.

Kino Lorber has curated this collection with painstaking attention to detail. The films have been meticulously restored for modern viewing while preserving their original aesthetics. The print quality, given the age of the films, is exceptional, and the original scores accompanying each film enhance the viewing experience.

Each film also comes with an array of extras such as alternate takes, behind-the-scenes footage, and interesting commentary tracks that provide valuable insights into Keaton's creative process and the making of these films. These resources offer viewers an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Keaton's seminal works and silent cinema's intricate artistry.

The Short Films Collection 1920-1923 is a must-have for any fan of Buster Keaton, and indeed, for anyone interested in the history of film and comedy. In Buster Keaton's world, comedy emerges from the unlikeliest of places – a chase, a misstep, a surprising reveal, a play of shadows, or the simple act of standing still as chaos ensues all around. These films reminded audiences almost a century ago, and remind us still, that in the midst of the everyday, there's always room for laughter.

In conclusion, Buster Keaton: The Short Films Collection 1920-1923 from Kino Lorber is an invaluable anthology that journeys into the origins of silent comedy cinema and profiles one of its most iconic and enduring performers. Keaton's on-screen persona and comedic genius are undeniably influential, setting the benchmark for physical comedy and fundamental film techniques that are still prevalent. This silent era collection, with its endearing humor, daredevil stunts, and cinematic ingenuity, provides a timeless experience that continues to engage audiences and inspire filmmakers.