Buster Keaton's The General

The General
Originally uploaded by livingfilm.

Buster Keaton's film The General, is not only one of the greatest films ever made, it is by far the greatest film made here in Oregon (Forest Grove).
Set in Georgia during the Civil War*, Buster Keaton is a railroad engineer who is not allowed to enlist, because it is believed that he will be of more use to the south engineering than soldiering, to his chagrin and the dismay of his sweetheart. But, Buster proves himself, in some of the most brilliantly comedic scenes in the history of cinema. Buster Keaton's attention to detail has led many Civil War scholars to name The General the most visually accurate film set during the war. The film often looks like a moving Mathew Brady photograph. One of the most stunning aspects of the film, like all of Keaton's films, are the stunts, all of which were performed without the help of special effects. We are talking about Locomotive comedy using real Trains! The climatic scene of the engine collapsing on the burning bridge was the most expensive shot of the entire Silent period. The remains of the engine were for many years a tourist attraction before it was dismantled during WWII for scrap metal. After 80 years The General will still make you laugh, because it is genuinely funny, and will amaze you with it's virtuosity! And it is only 75 minutes long! Highest Recommendation!

* Do you ever wonder why most films set during the Civil War have Southern protagonists? I do. Particularly how sensitive to the subject of slavery Americans are. I wonder if it is easier to show the underdog in a war where both sides motives were rather dubious, please leave comments if you have any ideas on the subject.