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Wednesday, December 08, 2004TV: So Funny It Hurt
2 Comments:
Why was it the most painful half-hour of television you've seen in a while? Because it was poorly done, or because of what working at MGM did to Keaton? I watched it last night as well, and I thought it was well done. I am a big fan of Keaton's silents, and I had read about his dissatisfaction with working with Durante. But I learned a lot about what happened to him when the talkies came out. Also, it was the first time I had seen footage of him talking prior to the 50's TV appearances and the 60's movie cameos. It certainly was sad to see what happened to him in so short a period, but I think his personal problems had a lot to do with that, probably more so than what working at MGM did to him.
To answer your question: because of MGM. The film was well-done. I have yet to see a doc by Kevin Brownlow that wasn't. He knows how to use archival footage better than anyone.
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You're right about Keaton's personal problems having a big role in his decline. But the effect of MGM's cavalier attitude toward him can't be overstated. I believe Keaton, like many comics of the silent era, would have had difficulty making the transition into sound film. But he should have been allowed to try on his own terms. MGM put unnecessary demands on him at a crucial time, which made his other problems worse. The result shows up in the films, which TCM screened after the doc. There are a few good gags, but no life. No joy.
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