This silent movie comedy icon, whose face was described as the ‘Great Stone Face,’ died and his passing will be felt in the movie industry. Let us begin this in-depth analysis by examining who this virtual unknown was and the volume of film history he played a part in creating.
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Here you will discover the interesting life story of an extraordinary actor, as well as businessman, a pioneer of the cinema industry, who was Buster Keaton.
Age and Career Beginning in Show Business
Though originally named Joseph Frank Keaton at his birth on the 4th of October in the year 1895 in Piqua Kansas, he was popularly referred to as Buster Keaton. His parents, Joe Keaton and Myra Keaton, were stage actors and performers, who took the little Buster on stage when he was only two years old.
Probably, from that time, he got the nickname ‘Buster’ after Harry Houdini once saw the young performer fall down a flight of stairs and never get hurt. Unfortunately, this early resilience was to become a very clear part of Keaton’s later film work.
The Silent Film Era: Keaton’s Climax
Keaton decided to go to Hollywood in 1917 Keaton did not have to wait long and within a short time of his arrival, he was hired by fellow comedian Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle. It turned out to be helpful as Keaton went through the basics of acting while filming several short films under the partnership.
Thus, by the end of 1920, Keaton started his own company and created the best silent movies of this genre that were worthwhile to be called masterpieces. Some of his most iconic works include: Some of his most iconic works include:
- “The General” (1926)
- “Sherlock Jr. ” (1924)
- “The Navigator” (1924)
- Steamboat Bill Jr. “ (1928).
Hence, Keaton acted in films that involved ingenuity in stunts, deadpan comedies, and technical intelligence. For some of his scenes, he preferred to do the stunts himself even if he risks his own life.
The Shift to Sound and Career Obstacles
The introduction of sound in the movies could be regarded as a great problem for many silent film actors, including Keaton. Although he managed to switch over to ‘talkies,’ his hold over the creative direction eroded when he moved to MGM in 1928. This period was characterized by a decrease in the quality of the artwork as well as issues of alcoholism.
Rediscovery and Later Career
The years of the 40s and 50s were considered the revival of Keaton’s work as an actor and comedian. Some movies that featured him include “Sunset Boulevard” (1950) and “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” (1963) which was able to showcase his comedic prowess.
During that year his performance was rewarded with an Honorary Academy Award for his lifetime of achievement in the comedy film industry. It could be said that this recognition has helped shape his position in the history of cinema and also brought attention to the rest of his works.
Buster Keaton Net Worth: Salary, Income
Quantifying the value of a man from history as may be seen when assessing the net worth can be a rather daunting task; however, at the peak of his silent movie career, Keaton had become one of the richest actors in Hollywood. Yet, two vices namely, financial mismanagement and loss of his independence from MGM eroded his wealth.
Ironically enough, at the time of his death in June 1966, Keaton was worth roughly about $10 million in today’s currency. But it is significant to remember that this represents a lot less than many big-name stars can earn in the present day.
Legacy and Influence
It is impossible to underestimate the role of Buster Keaton in shaping the genre of comedy and film in general. His innovative techniques, physical comedy, and great storytelling skills are recipes that any filmmaker or comedian would wish to learn from.
The comedy of the famous actors Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton was marked as highly influential for directors such as Orson Welles and Quentin Tarantino.
In 1991, Keaton’s film “The General “was on the list of National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as works that are either culturally, historically, or artistically significant.
Useful information about Buster Keaton
Another important fact, which Keaton never notices on camera, also contributed to his well-known appearance of a poker face. Tragic episodes that happened in Keaton’s life include the death of his first wife Dorothy which happened in 1943 and his autobiography which was written by Norman.
Conclusion
Buster Keaton could have been 70 when he died in the year 1966, nonetheless, his work continues to be immortal in history. This is the story of an ordinary boy, who started in the vaudeville circles and grew to be one of the most acclaimed silent film actors.
Thus, in his lifetime, although his assets and liabilities were opposed so that the worth of the actor was much higher than the amount he had lost the remuneration he had earned could not measure the significance of his role in the development of the cinema.
This means that even as his movies are slowly uncovered and given a fresh look by modern-day audiences, Buster Keaton continues to be one of the biggest icons of comedy and film.
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