Review of Sherlock Jr. (1924) by Christian C — 21 Apr 2010

I was first introduced to Chaplin, there was a certain month last year where I've watched a total of 14 Chaplin films, including his short ones. In fact, the first silent film that I've seen was The Kid, and I can say that it was simple and never boring.

People around the house used to laugh at me, saying "What in the world is that?" Of course, you can't appreciate a piece of classic art like that if you don't fully understand the true beauty of films.

This was the shortest film from Buster Keaton. The first time I saw him is in one of Chaplin's movie, Limelight. It is fun to see both great performers in the silent-era share the same stage. Sherlock Jr.

is composed of funny scenes, an artistic concept and dangerous stunts performed by Buster Keaton himself. My favorite scene is when his character was dreaming (this situation was often seen in Chaplin's films: The Kid, Shoulder Arms, Sunnyside, etc.

But Buster Keaton's version was different and more artistic in a way) and in his dream, he went through a movie screen, breaking the barrier between reality and fantasy. He is now part of the movie, but the characters have left him and then begun the brilliant shifting of places in the screen while he is trying to fit in the situation, the effects in the sequence was stunning considering its year.

That sequence was both hilarious and original (even Chaplin's brilliant mind has never thought of that idea.) I am looking forward this month in watching Buster Keaton's other great works: Our Hospitality, Seven Changes, The General, etc.

This is a great experience in silent-era, don?t you miss it.