Watch Buster Keaton: The Short Films Collection 1920-1923

Buster Keaton: The Short Films Collection 1920-1923 from Kino Lorber is a delightful compilation of short films featuring the legendary comedian and actor, Buster Keaton. The collection includes 19 of Keaton's early works made during a crucial period in his career, when he was honing his craft and establishing himself as one of the most inventive and innovative filmmakers of his time.

The films in this collection are a wonderful showcase of Keaton's artistry and versatility, as he effortlessly switches between genres and styles, from slapstick comedy to romantic melodrama, from period pieces to modern-day tales. Each film is a masterpiece of visual storytelling, with Keaton using his remarkable physicality, impeccable timing, and brilliant wit to create a series of unforgettable characters and scenarios.

Some of the highlights of the collection include "One Week" (1920), Keaton's debut film as a director, which tells the story of a newlywed couple who attempt to assemble a prefabricated house with disastrous results; "The Haunted House" (1921), a spooky comedy in which Keaton plays a bank clerk who gets trapped in a haunted mansion; "The Playhouse" (1921), a dazzling tour de force in which Keaton plays every role in a theatrical production, from the actors to the crew; and "Cops" (1922), a breathtaking chase film in which Keaton tries to outrun an army of police officers.

Other notable films in the collection include "The Boat" (1922), in which Keaton builds his own boat and sets off on a disastrous fishing trip; "The Electric House" (1922), a hilarious science-fiction comedy in which Keaton unwittingly turns a house into an automated disaster zone; and "My Wife's Relations" (1922), a romantic comedy in which Keaton tries to win over his wife's disapproving family.

One of the most impressive aspects of the collection is how Keaton manages to inject humor and heart into even the most absurd and surreal scenarios. Whether he is dodging bombs, riding atop moving trains, or battling a swarm of bees, Keaton's deadpan expression and impeccable comic timing make every moment a joy to watch. And despite the fact that many of these films are nearly a century old, they still manage to elicit genuine laughs and gasps from modern audiences.

The collection also offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of cinema, when filmmakers were still experimenting with the medium and developing its language. Keaton's films are full of innovative and daring techniques, from daring stunts to clever use of special effects, that would go on to influence generations of filmmakers to come.

Overall, Buster Keaton: The Short Films Collection 1920-1923 from Kino Lorber is a must-see for any fan of silent comedy, classic cinema, or just great filmmaking in general. It is a true testament to Keaton's genius and a delightful reminder of the power of laughter and imagination.