Review of Sherlock Jr. (1924) by Ricardo O — 09 Oct 2011

Like all of Keaton's other films, the plot of "Sherlock, Jr." is relatively simple. He plays a film projectionist who dreams of becoming a famous detective, in the vein of Sherlock Holmes. He's in love with a girl (Kathryn McGuire). He gives her a ring and a box of chocolates but is turned down instead for another man (Ward Crane) who wants her affection. Her other suitor steals a watch that belongs to her father (Joe Keaton). Keaton is at first blamed for stealing it because the man who really stole it slips the receipt he got for pawning it off into his pocket. Falsely accused, Buster suspects him of stealing the watch so he trails him, emulating a real detective. Buster is heartbroken by the way her family looks at him now and so falls asleep while projecting a film in the movie theater. He dreams that he gets out of the stool he was sleeping in and walks into the screen and interacts with the film's characters as famous detective, Sherlock, Jr.

Sherlock, Jr. is without a doubt one of the absolute greatest pieces of cinema ever made. It's hard which to pick as Keaton's best film whether it's "The General" or "Sherlock, Jr." but to me they both deserve to be in the Top 100 films. As far as his acting goes, Buster was probably never better. And as far as his creativity goes, "Sherlock, Jr." may be Keaton at the height of his powers. It's as surreal and fantastic as the films of pioneer Georges Mà (C)liès. The special effects used in the film are some of the best ever used in all of film. Despite how old the film and it's effects are, it's really difficult to not appreciate the craft used to make it believable. The stunts Keaton does are spectacular as always. One stunt, the one where he is running on the top of a train and hangs on the water pipe that drops down literally broke his neck and actually caused him a fair share of pain for many years. The whole film is just so enjoyable to view but it's the entire dream sequence that is incredible. From the suspenseful game of pool to the whole chase where the thief and his men are after are all some of the best moments in film history. Buster diving through a window in order to escape the henchmen, coming out of other side disguised in a ladies dress. It's just so amazing to see Buster do what he did better than anybody else, Chaplin included.

From the pacing to the actual stunts, "Sherlock, Jr." is non-stop cinematic genius. This is essential cinema. No one should live their life without ever witnessing the greatness of this film. 10/10.