Go West

Plot

Go West follows Friendless (Buster Keaton), a hapless young man who can't seem to keep a job in New York City and is constantly unlucky in his endeavors. After reading about opportunities out west, he hops a freight train to seek his fortune, arriving at a cattle ranch where he's initially mocked by the cowboys. Friendless befriends a cow named Brown Eyes, the only creature that shows him affection, and when the ranch faces financial trouble and must drive its cattle to the stockyards, he volunteers to help. Through a series of comedic misadventures during the cattle drive, including a spectacular scene where he must stop a stampede, Friendless transforms from a city dweller into a capable cowboy, ultimately saving the ranch and finding his place in the world.

Historical Background

Go West was released in 1925, during the height of the silent film era and at the peak of Buster Keaton's popularity. The mid-1920s saw America experiencing rapid urbanization, yet there remained a powerful romantic fascination with the American West and frontier life. This film tapped into the national mythology of westward expansion and the idea that the West offered opportunities for reinvention and success that seemed unavailable in crowded Eastern cities. The western genre was enormously popular in the 1920s, with stars like Tom Mix and William S. Hart dominating the box office. Keaton's decision to make a western comedy reflected both commercial considerations and his interest in exploring different settings for his unique brand of physical comedy. The film also emerged during a period when cattle drives were becoming a thing of the past, making it somewhat nostalgic even for contemporary audiences.

Making Of

Go West was produced during what many consider Buster Keaton's creative peak period (1923-1928), when he had complete artistic control over his films. The production faced significant challenges working with live cattle, which proved unpredictable and difficult to direct. Keaton and his team spent weeks studying real cattle drives and working with experienced cowboys to ensure authenticity. The famous stampede sequence required careful planning and coordination, with Keaton positioning himself in genuinely dangerous situations. The film was shot on location in California's cattle country rather than on studio backlots, giving it an authentic western feel. Keaton's meticulous attention to detail extended to the costumes, which were worn and weathered to reflect the hardships of cowboy life. The production employed actual ranch hands as extras and consultants, adding to the film's realism.

Visual Style

The cinematography for Go West was handled by Elgin Lessley and Byron Houck, both frequent collaborators with Keaton. The film features expansive wide shots of the California landscape that emphasize the vastness of the West and the isolation of Keaton's character. The camera work during the cattle drive sequences is particularly impressive, using long takes to capture the scale and chaos of the moving herd. Lessley employed innovative techniques for the time, including tracking shots that follow the cattle at full gallop. The visual contrast between the cramped urban scenes at the beginning and the open spaces of the West reinforces the film's themes of freedom and opportunity. The cinematography also makes effective use of natural light, particularly in the outdoor scenes, giving the film an authentic, documentary-like quality that enhances its realism.

Innovations

Go West showcased several technical innovations for its time, particularly in the filming of the large-scale cattle drive sequences. The production used multiple cameras to capture the stampede scenes from various angles, allowing for dynamic editing that enhanced the sense of chaos and danger. Keaton and his team developed special camera mounts that could be attached to horses and wagons, enabling moving shots that were revolutionary for 1925. The film also featured impressive matte paintings and special effects to create the illusion of vast cattle herds and expansive landscapes. The sequence where Keaton stops a cattle stampede required precise timing and coordination between the actor, animals, and camera crew. The production's use of location shooting with real cattle rather than studio sets and trained animals represented a commitment to realism that was unusual for comedy films of the era.

Music

As a silent film, Go West would have been accompanied by live musical performance in theaters during its original release. The typical accompaniment would have been a theater organist or small orchestra playing a mix of popular songs of the era and classical pieces adapted to fit the on-screen action. For the urban sequences, jaunty, syncopated ragtime pieces would have been used, while the western scenes called for more expansive, romantic melodies. Modern restorations of the film have featured newly composed scores by silent film music experts, including the Alloy Orchestra and the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra. These contemporary scores attempt to recreate the musical experience of 1920s theater presentations while using modern recording techniques. The emotional scenes between Friendless and Brown Eyes are typically accompanied by gentle, pastoral melodies that enhance the tender moments.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence showing Friendless' failed attempts at various jobs in New York City
• The tender scene where Friendless befriends the cow Brown Eyes and shares his lunch with her
• The hilarious sequence where Friendless tries to learn cowboy skills from the ranch hands
• The spectacular cattle drive across the desert landscape
• The climactic scene where Friendless single-handedly stops a cattle stampede by standing in their path
• The emotional farewell between Friendless and Brown Eyes at the stockyards
• The final transformation scene where Friendless emerges as a confident cowboy

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews of Go West were generally positive, with critics praising Keaton's physical comedy and the film's spectacular cattle drive sequences. The New York Times noted that 'Keaton's particular brand of humor works surprisingly well in a western setting,' while Variety called it 'a fine example of Keaton's unique comedic genius.' Modern critics have reassessed the film more favorably, with many considering it underrated among Keaton's works. Film scholar David Robinson has called it 'a touching and funny examination of loneliness and friendship,' while Roger Ebert included it in his 'Great Movies' collection, praising its 'beautiful moments of physical poetry and genuine emotion.' The film is now recognized for its innovative blend of comedy and pathos, particularly in the relationship between Friendless and Brown Eyes.

What Audiences Thought

Upon its release, Go West performed moderately well at the box office, though it didn't achieve the commercial success of Keaton's previous feature, The Navigator (1924). Audiences responded positively to Keaton's trademark deadpan humor and the spectacular action sequences, particularly the climactic cattle drive. The emotional connection between Friendless and the cow Brown Eyes resonated with viewers, adding depth to the comedy. Over time, the film has developed a cult following among Keaton enthusiasts and silent film aficionados, who appreciate its quieter charms compared to his more action-packed works. Modern audiences often discover the film through retrospectives and home video releases, with many expressing surprise at its emotional depth and visual beauty.

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