The General Film Directed by Buster Keaton - Movie Review Example

The General is a 1926 film directed by Buster Keaton, who also acts as a starring together with Marion Mack. Specifically, the film focuses on the Southern railroad engineer who has only two loves in his life, the beautiful Annabelle Lee, and the train (Ebert, 1997 n.p).

In the beginning, Keaton walks to his girl's house wearing his best suit unaware that two small boys are following him. Ironically, behind the two boys is Annabelle herself, who follows closely as Keaton reaches the door and knocks only to look about and see Annabelle right behind him. The two boys follow them as they sit on the sofa and Keaton reflects slight unhappiness (Ebert, 1997 n.p). He wakes up, picks up his hat as if he wants to leave, and opens the door for the two boys to leave. He displays incredible courtesy that leaves the viewer wondering if the boys were his guests or pure intruders. Rejected by the girl, he goes to drive the locomotive, but it lifts him up and down, although e is so obsessed with the girl to notice.

The director portrays the character as a dangerous individual throughout the film. Although the comedy in the movie is quite a lot, the audience does not laugh at Keaton but identifies with him (Ebert, 1997 n.p). The film's most memorable part is the hunt for the stole train by the Union spies. Ironically, Jonny chases the train on foot, by bicycle, a sidecar, and finally another locomotive. Precisely, this scene is exciting since it is impossible for a train to chase another locomotive since they have to retain the track.

The General appeared in Sight and Sound's top ten greatest films, and it might be Keaton's greatest film. However, other films by the same director that are fascinating include Go West (1925), Cameraman (1928), and The Navigator (1924) among others (Ebert, 1997 n.p). Read More