Review of The Cameraman (1928) by Michael Y — 15 Oct 2011

The last movie Buster Keaton would make before his soul is crushed by ungrateful producers, The Cameraman is not only classic Keaton at his best, but it also shows a little more heart than his other work.

Buster Keaton plays.... Buster, the streetcorner photographer who falls in love with Sally who works for the MGM news reel. Buster tries to win her heart by becoming the best cameraman he could be, but his unimpressive physique, lack of luxury, and inability to film anything good gives his great grief and doubt that he will ever win Sally's heart. Usually Buster Keaton's films don't develop much on the relationship of characters, but the comedy is so brilliant you hardly notice. Well not only is The Cameraman a brilliant comedy, but it is a lot more personal and emotional than Keaton's other timeless movies. We all know Buster is a little guy, and he always has a rival in his movies to try to win the love interest over him, but we finally see the weaker side that he rarely plays. This time he gets the emotion and romance just right, and along with even more wonderful original comedy (some improvised, as is Keaton's prefered style) The Cameraman becomes an enjoyable success and one of Buster Keaton's best in my opinion.

Although it says "directed by Edward M. Sedwick", we all know Buster Keaton had a lot to do with it too. In any case, The Cameraman is directed like any great Buster Keaton comedy is. It captures not only the comedy really well, but also the nice touch of drama too. And there's always something new to see in a Keaton movie. Keaton and Sedwick always try to think of something cinematically new to make their movies perfect. The hotel staircase scene for example is a wonderful set. The choreography with the action and the cinematography is wonderful as well. And the standout sequence of the movie is the "Tong War" scene that has some great choreography and some even more funny Keaton stuntwork.

Although Buster Keaton's association with MGM would lead to his downfall via lack of freedom, The Cameraman still feels untouched and feels like a proper Keaton movie. It is hilarious, well directed and shot, it has a monkey, and best of all it has an emotional side that I wanted to see in many other Keaton movies. The Cameraman is one of my personal favourite Buster Keaton movies, and is definitely his last great film.