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Camera Man: Buster Keaton, the Dawn of Cinema, and the Invention of the Twentieth Century
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About This Book
From the chief film critic of Slate comes a fresh and captivating biography on comedy legend and acclaimed filmmaker Buster Keaton that also explores the evolution of film from the silent era to the 1940s.As one of the most famous faces of silent cinema, Buster Keaton was and continues to be revered for his stoic expressions, clever visual gags, and acrobatic physicality in classics such as Sherlock Jr., The General, and The Cameraman. In this spirited biography, every aspect of Buster Keaton's astonishing life is explored, from his humble beginnings in vaudeville with his parents to his meteoric rise to Hollywood stardom during the silent era. Based on vigorous research of both Keaton and the film industry, it also delves into the dark sides of fame, such as Keaton's ill-advised businesses deals and alcoholism, to his unexpected resurgence in the 1940s as his contributions as both an actor and director were finally celebrated. This is a fascinating and uniquely astounding look at both the classic era of Hollywood and one of its most beloved stars.
Reviews
"Though its historical wanderings read as windingly as one of Keaton's famous chase scenes, Camera Man redeems details from Keaton's life that previous biographers have misread or glossed over ..."
"Stevens, in Camera Man takes an original and, in a way, more distanced approach to Keaton ..."
"If you want a sense of passionate attachment to Buster Keaton—either as one of the great comic filmmakers of all time, or as a loyal and likable man in an industry famed for those who lack both qualities—that's Dana Stevens."
"In this thoughtful, engaging, and moving work, Slate writer Stevens posits that Buster Keaton's life is an entry point to understanding the 20th century—and vice versa ..."
"But Stevens is sharper when she focuses on such ancillary phenomena as the emergence of serious film criticism ..."
"the author doesn't flesh out...larger events, and attempts to connect Keaton to them are often misguided."
"a masterful mix of cultural history, biography, and film criticism to consider of the work and legacy of silent film star Buster Keaton ..."
"It is impossible for any biographer to present an entire and true picture of the subject, as much as it is to know any person completely."
"Steven's incisive, encompassing, and invigorating portrait will deepen and revitalize appreciation for his genius."
"Scott Fitzgerald, but her flair is for close reading ..."
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