Silence is Brilliance essays

Silence is Brilliance essays During the 1920s, film making was a domain of curious discovery and unlimited potential. Directors and actors were constantly producing new stories and ideas to entertain their audiences to make lasting impressions. Two important figures in this era were Buster Keaton, master of physical comedy, and Charlie Chaplin, one of the most dedicated directors who ever graced the silver screen. Keatons comedy Steamboat Bill, Jr. and Chaplins The Kid are perfect examples to highlight these performers In Keatons Steamboat Bill, Jr. (1928), directed by himself and Charles Reisner, there are a variety of cartoon-style gags and outrageous stunts set amongst a background of an interesting plot. Keaton uses the fish out of water scenario and creates a contrast between Bill, Jr., and his father. The relationship between father and son is a great way to express character development. The whole cast is full of memorable characters as well, such as the antagonist of the picture the captain of the opposing steamboat. Overall, Steamboat Bill, Jr. is a light-hearted comedy that combines slapstick humor, a little romance, memorable characters, and elaborate and sometimes dangerous stunts to reflect Opposite from Keaton, Chaplin took the more sentimental route with his film The Kid. Like most of his movies, the directing and writing were done by Chaplin himself. There are still gags and humor, but they are more though out and are more of a means to move the story along. For example, Chaplins character, the Tramp, and the kid work together by the kid breaking windows and the Tramp offering to fix them. This gag is an important part of the plot and is also an opportunity to portray their relationship. The theme of father and son is prominent in ...