15 Quotes by Buster Keaton
Buster Keaton, born on October 4, 1895, was an American silent film actor, comedian, and filmmaker known for his physical comedy, deadpan expression, and innovative approach to filmmaking. Keaton’s silent films, such as “The General” and “Sherlock Jr.,” showcased his incredible acrobatic skills, impeccable timing, and creative use of visual gags.
Often portraying a stoic and seemingly unflappable character amidst chaotic and absurd situations, Keaton became known as “The Great Stone Face.” His ability to blend physical comedy with a subtle, understated style set him apart from his contemporaries and solidified his status as one of the greatest comedians in the history of cinema.
Keaton’s influence can be seen in generations of comedic actors and filmmakers, and his films continue to be celebrated for their timeless humor and technical achievements.
Buster Keaton Quotes
Tragedy is a close-up; comedy, a long shot.
A comedian does funny things. A good comedian does things funny.
Silence is of the gods; only monkeys chatter. (Meaning)
Charlie Chaplin and I would have a friendly contest: Who could do the feature film with the least subtitles?
Like everyone else, I like to be with a happy crowd.
They say pantomime’s a lost art. It’s never been a lost art and never will be, because it’s too natural to do.
No man can be a genius in slapshoes and a flat hat.
All my life I have been happiest when the folks watching me said to each other, `Look at the poor dope, wilya?
If one more person tells me this is just like old times, I swear I’ll jump out the window.
And if there is sweeter music this side of heaven I haven’t heard it.
I don’t act, anyway. The stuff is all injected as we go along. My pictures are made without script or written directions of any kind
Not long ago a friend asked me what was the greatest pleasure I got from spending my whole life as an actor. There have been so many that I had to think about that for a moment. Then I said, ‘Like everyone else, I like to be with a happy crowd’.
I don’t feel qualified to talk about my work.
Is Hollywood the cruelest city in the world? Well, it can be. New York can be that, too. You can be a Broadway star here one night, and something happens, and out–nobody knows you on the street. They forget you ever lived. It happens in Hollywood, too.
What really got my goat at MGM were comedians like The Marx Brothers who never wrote their own jokes.
― Buster Keaton Quotes
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Tal Gur is an impact-driven creator at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 life goals around the globe. Tal's journey and recent book, The Art of Fully Living, inspired him to found Elevate Society.
