Critical Analysis of Buster Keaton’s Film "The General"
Write a 700 to 800-word analysis of one fihn from this module or a critical comparison of two fihns. You must incorporate at least one reading from this module. Your response should demonstrate your understanding of the reading and the film, including its historical significance. Do not simply summarize thefilm. Rather, discuss how that film has contributed to the aesthetic and/or technical innovations in film history. Also, consider how each film reflects and influences its socio-political context. You must use proper citations for all sources
in your response. Below are some questions to serve as prompts for reflection. You do not have to address all of these questions in your response.
What are the central arguments made by the films and/or the text and how do they relate to each other?
DMS 107 – Critical Film Analysis – Buster Keaton’s The General
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January 13, 2023
Understanding the relationship between films and their socio-political and historical context is essential for anyone. It allows for a better appreciation of how films are influenced and made in relation to their external environment and how it also contributes to their field. Accordingly, this article will focus on the 1926 film by Buster Keaton entitled The General. In the subsequent sections of this article, a summary, analysis, and comparison of the various elements of the film will be made. It is the author's belief that conducting an analysis of these films would help in appreciating the historical development of films and contributing to their future.
Short Summary – The General
Buster Keaton’s 1927 film entitled The General is a movie about Johnny Gray Keaton, a Confederate railroad engineer, whose woman (Annabelle) and the prized train were stolen by the enemy spies from the Soviet Union. With only seconds to react and a split-second timing to prevent the ultimate tragedy, he commandeered another train and ended up deep into the enemy territory. The story's central narrative revolves around this tragedy and Keaton's journey to rescue his train and the love of his life.
Despite being filmed and created in the 1920s, Keaton’s film was characterized as an excellent combination of comedic and action genres. Critics regarded and applauded the film's unique approach, especially considering that it was created during the 'silent era.' Additionally, this film was given high regard for its unique storyline, which starts with "plot complications and story gags" and then moves towards a fantastic combination of "stunts and set pieces" (Greydanus, n.d.).
Central Arguments and Socio-Political Relevance
Despite being designed as a comedic act to entertain his audience, Keaton’s film was ultimately a classic piece that deals with the man versus nature conflict. However, rather than focusing on how humans react and fight the State of things, it also shows how the two can collude and work together to achieve great things. These arguments are clear from how its elements are pieced together into one cohesive whole, especially with regard to the presentation of the various socio-political issues.
One of the main socio-political issues presented in the film was the conflict between the Soviet Union and the United...