Some stream of consciousness!
Innovative, intelligent, and quick-witted.Purple Rose of Cairo echos back to this work, when the Projectionist, played by Keaton, quite literally jumps into a theater screening of a film, transforming it to his whims and wishes, or so we initially believe. Even in this dream, the Projectionist (now turned Sherlock Jr.) suffers the same rotten luck as his waking state, though he wills himself forward at every turn.
Thus is the commitment to comedic power of Keaton, sparing nothing to a gag, prop, or stunt – mere film mechanics like blocking, staging, and framing, enable humor around every turn.
The early gags lead to greater stunts and feats, all performed by Keaton to incredible effect, and accompanied by an equally incredible score. The score, along with the exaggerated body language of this eager protagonist, convey all of the nonverbal plot and emotion required to fully immerse you in this picture.
Finally reunited with his romance, the film is beautifully framed within the projection frame of the theater, in a warm, soft glow. Keaton nonetheless beautifully endears us with his humor, to heartwarming effect.
My first Keaton film, and I’m looking forward to the next.