In this classic, we see Buster Keaton perform his usual brand of slapstick physical comedy. Keaton plays the son of a fisherman, but much to his father's dismay, he is effeminate and clumsy. Some strengths of this film were the acting (at least the physical acting). While I can not say the acting overall is on par with what would come in the following decades, the dedication to the stunts performed by both Keaton and some of the other actors was very impressive. The stunts are also quite funny, of course. Without spoiling too much, my favorite part of the film was the wind sequence seen in the last fifteen minutes. The last five had me feeling genuinely anxious and on the edge of my seat. Any weaknesses mostly just comprise of my lack of silent films seen, thus not being too familiar with some things (and the racial depictions, but this was made in 1928 of course). Overall, an enjoyable and important film.
Review of Steamboat Bill, Jr.
