The Cameraman

Plot

Luke Shannon, a humble tintype photographer in New York City, falls madly in love with Sally Richards, a secretary who works at a newsreel company. To win her affection and compete with her boyfriend and coworker Harold, Luke decides to become a newsreel cameraman despite having no experience. After purchasing a second-hand camera, Luke's attempts to capture newsworthy events result in a series of disastrous and hilarious mishaps, including filming a baseball game from inside the dugout, accidentally documenting a police raid on a gambling den, and getting caught in a Tong war in Chinatown. Though his footage appears worthless, Luke's camera accidentally captures the real criminal during the chaos, proving his worth as a cameraman and ultimately winning Sally's heart.

Historical Background

The Cameraman was produced during a pivotal moment in film history - the transition from silent to sound cinema. By 1928, 'talkies' were rapidly taking over Hollywood, and studios were uncertain about investing in silent films. This period also saw the consolidation of power in major studios like MGM, which were absorbing independent producers like Keaton. The film reflects the modernization of America in the late 1920s, with its focus on newsreel photography, urban life in New York City, and the growing influence of media. The stock market crash of 1929 occurred shortly after the film's release, marking the end of the Roaring Twenties and ushering in the Great Depression. The film's themes of an ordinary person trying to succeed in a competitive field resonated with audiences during this time of economic uncertainty.

Making Of

The production of 'The Cameraman' marked a significant turning point in Buster Keaton's career. After years of independent filmmaking where he had complete creative control, Keaton signed with MGM, one of the most powerful studios in Hollywood. Director Edward Sedgwick was assigned by the studio, but Keaton's influence on the film's comedy and gags remained strong. The production team faced the challenge of creating a silent comedy during Hollywood's rapid transition to sound films. Many of the stunts were performed by Keaton himself, including the famous bathtub scene where he's trapped as the tub fills with water. The baseball sequence required careful coordination with real players, and the Tong war scene in Chinatown was one of the most complex and expensive sequences in the film. Despite the studio's interference, 'The Cameraman' retained much of Keaton's signature physical comedy and deadpan expression.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Devereaux Jennings and Byron Haskin demonstrates the sophisticated visual storytelling techniques of late silent cinema. The film uses creative camera angles and movements to enhance the comedy, particularly in sequences where Keaton's character struggles with his camera equipment. The newsreel footage sequences employ different visual styles to distinguish between professional and amateur cinematography. The film's visual gags often rely on precise framing and timing, with the camera serving as both a prop and a storytelling device. The Chinatown sequence features dramatic lighting and composition that heightens the tension while maintaining the comedic tone.

Innovations

The film showcases several technical innovations for its time, including complex camera movements and the use of multiple cameras for the baseball sequence. The special effects in the bathtub scene, where water appears to fill the tub around Keaton, were accomplished through clever editing and prop work. The film's use of location shooting and stock footage blended seamlessly with studio work, creating a convincing representation of New York City. The newsreel footage sequences required the recreation of authentic-looking amateur cinematography, with intentional camera shake and focus problems. The Tong war sequence featured elaborate set design and pyrotechnics that pushed the boundaries of action filmmaking in silent cinema.

Music

As a silent film, 'The Cameraman' originally had no synchronized soundtrack, but it was accompanied by musical scores performed live in theaters. The typical orchestral score included popular songs of the era and original compositions that matched the film's moods. Modern restorations have featured newly commissioned scores by composers such as Carl Davis and Robert Israel, who have created orchestral accompaniments that honor the film's period while enhancing the viewing experience for contemporary audiences. These scores typically incorporate jazz elements from the 1920s and original themes for the romantic and comic sequences.

Memorable Scenes

• The bathtub sequence where Keaton is trapped as the tub fills with water
• The baseball game scene where Keaton films from inside the dugout and causes chaos
• The Tong war sequence in Chinatown where Keaton accidentally captures real criminals
• The zoo sequence where Keaton tries to film a monkey while being attacked by various animals
• The opening scene where Keaton's tintype photography business is shown

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'The Cameraman' as one of Keaton's funniest films, with many reviewers noting that despite the studio's involvement, Keaton's unique comedic genius remained intact. The New York Times called it 'a thoroughly delightful comedy' and praised Keaton's 'inimitable' style. Modern critics have reevaluated the film as a masterpiece of silent comedy, with many considering it among Keaton's best work. Roger Ebert included it in his Great Movies collection, writing that it 'contains more invention and wit than most modern comedies.' The film is often cited as proof that Keaton could still create brilliant comedy even under studio restrictions, though some critics note the subtle differences from his independent work.

What Audiences Thought

The film was a commercial success upon its release, grossing approximately $1 million domestically against its $258,000 budget. Audiences responded positively to Keaton's physical comedy and the film's romantic elements. The timing of its release, just as sound films were taking over, meant it reached audiences during a nostalgic period for silent cinema. Modern audiences continue to discover the film through revivals, home video releases, and streaming platforms, with many considering it one of Keaton's most accessible and entertaining works. The film's blend of spectacular stunts, romantic comedy, and Keaton's trademark deadpan humor has helped it maintain its appeal across generations.

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