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Dana Stevens / Atria Books / 2022年01月25日
"Camera Man: Buster Keaton, the Dawn of Cinema, and the Invention of the Twentieth Century" by Dana Stevens is a captivating work of cultural history that explores the life and legacy of Buster Keaton, one of the most influential figures in the early days of cinema. Stevens, the chief film critic of Slate, weaves together a narrative that not only chronicles Keaton's remarkable career but also examines the broader cultural and technological shifts that coincided with the rise of the movie industry. By situating Keaton within the larger context of the twentieth century, Stevens offers a fresh perspective on both the comedian's enduring appeal and the transformative power of cinema during a pivotal moment in history.
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Book Summary
Chapters Overview
Chapter 1: The Tramp with the Trampoline
**Childhood and Vaudeville**: Details Keaton's early life, his family's vaudeville act, and his first forays into the world of performing.
**First Film Appearance**: Describes his uncredited cameo in _The Butcher Boy_ (1917) and the beginnings of his collaboration with Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle.
Chapter 2: The Rise of Buster Keaton
**Partnership with Arbuckle**: Discusses the evolution of their working relationship and the films they made together.
**Solo Career**: Explores Buster's transition to leading man and the making of his first independent shorts.
Chapter 3: The Golden Age of Slapstick
**Innovations in Comedy**: Breaks down Keaton's unique approach to slapstick, which combined acrobatics, timing, and elaborate physical comedy.
**Masterpieces**: Analyzes classic Keaton films such as _The Playhouse_ (1921), _Cops_ (1922), and _The General_ (1926).
Chapter 4: The Sound Era and Beyond
**Adapting to Sound**: Describes Keaton's struggle to adjust to the advent of talkies and his diminishing role in Hollywood.
**Later Work**: Discusses his return to vaudeville, tours abroad, and his work as a gagman and actor for hire.
Chapter 5: The Final Curtain
**Personal Struggles**: Examines Keaton's battles with alcoholism and depression.
**Legacy**: Concludes with an assessment of Keaton's lasting impact on cinema and his enduring place in popular culture.
Detailed Breakdown
Chapter 1 Key Points
Keaton was born into a vaudeville family and began performing at a young age.
His father introduced him to the tramp character and the trampoline.
His first film appearance was with Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle.
Chapter 2 Key Points
Keaton and Arbuckle developed a close working relationship during their years together.
Arbuckle's mentoring helped Keaton hone his craft as a comedian and filmmaker.
Keaton's first solo efforts showcased his genius for visual comedy and storytelling.
Chapter 3 Key Points
Keaton perfected a form of slapstick that relied less on punishment and more on dexterity and invention.
The films of this period are considered classics of silent cinema.
Keaton's work is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail and a seamless blend of comedic timing and elaborate stuntwork.
Chapter 4 Key Points
Keaton initially resisted the switch to sound films, feeling it limited his creative freedom.
The talkies era marginalized Keaton, though he still appeared in supporting roles.
He returned to his roots in vaudeville and international tours to continue performing.
Chapter 5 Key Points
Personal setbacks, including alcoholism, affected Keaton's later career.
Despite these challenges, Keaton left a significant legacy as an innovator in film comedy.
His influence continues to be felt in modern cinema and popular culture.
