Steamboat Bill, Jnr

1928 feature length silent piece from Buster Keaton.
Heralded as one of the great silent films, Keaton certainly lives up to his reputation for slapstick. With some incredible flexibility, pratfalling and bending he manages to time his leaps and steps to perfection. Keaton understands how to use his whole body (which remains in shot) and how to time his big steps. He is almost like a doll, throwing himself around in fluid motions.
This is all helped by wonderful choreography that knows exactly the direction of the scene; where the blocking will start, and where it will finish. Thanks to this minimal camera movement is required, and we have a wonderful fluidity of entrance and exit.
The comedy has a few giggles, though largely the slapstick is impressive rather than truly funny. The characicatures work well in not being too overdone, though it does remain never knowingly over subtle.
A fine example of a great physical performer at his best.