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Buster Keaton: Interviews

Buster Keaton: Interviews is a compilation of conversations with one of the most influential figures in early cinema. The book delves into Keaton's experiences, his thoughts on comedy, and the challenges of transitioning from silent films to talkies. It offers a glimpse into the personal and professional life of a man whose work has left an indelible mark on the history of film. more

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Buster Keaton
Buster Keaton

Buster Keaton, born Joseph Frank Keaton, was an American actor, director, screenwriter, and producer. Known for his unique comedic style and exceptional performance skills, he is considered one of the greatest comedians in the history of film. Keaton's career began in the silent film era, and he gained fame with his short comedy series featuring Samuel M. Jackson. 'One Week' is his breakthrough film, and he later became an independent filmmaker, directing, writing, and starring in a series of classic works. more

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“I`ve had few dull moments [in my life] and not too many sad and defeated ones. In saying this I am by no means overlooking the rough and rocky years I`ve lived through. But I was not brought up thinking life would be easy. I always expected to work hard for my money and to get nothing I did not earn. And the bad years, it seems to me, were so few that only a dyed-in-the-wool grouch who enjoys feeling sorry for himself would complain.”

“The first thing I did in the studio was to want to tear that camera to pieces. I had to know how that film got into the cutting room, what you did to it in there, how you projected it, how you finally got the picture together, how you made things match. The technical part of pictures is what interested me. Material was the last thing in the world I thought about. You only had to turn me loose on the set and I`d have material in two minutes, because I`d been doing it all my life.”

“The funny thing about our act is that dad gets the worst of it, although I'm the one who apparently receives the bruises [...] the secret is in landing limp and breaking the fall with a foot or a hand. It's a knack. I started so young that landing right is second nature with me. Several times I'd have been killed if I hadn't been able to land like a cat. Imitators of our act don't last long, because they can't stand the treatment.”

“Our children don't have to have drinking problems. They don't have to go through divorce or live defeated lives. You can be the one to stir them up, shake them up, and tell them there is a champion inside of them just waiting to come out. Tell them God has a plan for their lives, and they are destined to do greater things than we ever thought of doing.... You can decide to be the role model and reverse your whole generational pattern from a bad one to a good one.”