Review of The Cameraman (1928) by Karem C — 15 Jul 2016

Buster Keaton's late great feature (after all of his greatest hits: The General, Sherlock Jr., etc.) is a slow-boiler that favours small gags over the giant set-pieces of the past. Still, by the end it has picked up speed (and a small monkey) and the usual chaos that surrounds Buster is in full swing.

The plot involves Buster's attempt to become a newsreel cameraman in order to impress a girl. However, he is hapless as usual. Funny scenes include their date at the swimming pool, including a very awkward dressing room bit and a ride on the side of a bus (surely an influence for Jackie Chan).

The Chinese Tong war is impressive. All told, this ranks up there with his best but marked the begin of his decline when directorial responsibilities were taken away from him by MGM.