A good doc on Keaton, but not great.

Once again another film confronts its viewers with talking heads telling us why ***they*** think the title character was great. Please, don't tell us, show us! Give the viewer credit for having some substance between his/her ears. Show us why Keaton was a great comedian. Don't inundate us with personal opinions. It's easily demonstrated, i believe, because the man was truly great.

I tire of entertainment personalities acting as qualified historians. If they have good, unbiased insight into the man, I'll listen; however, none of this movie's talking heads are unbiased. They all have a dog in the fight. They all passionately adore BK. That's fine, but please don't think because you knew the man that you have some secret insight into him. Many of the talking heads are simply repeating apocryphal stories.

A good written biography and a small selection of his best film's on DVD is a fine introduction to the man.

This film is more hagiography than insightful biography.

Having said all this, I'd still recommend the film. Just make sure you pick up those DVDs.

THE GREAT BUSTER (2018) **** Wonderful documentary on the inimitable comedic icon and filmmaker, Buster Keaton, compiled and narrated by fellow director Peter Bogdanovich who traces the comic's career and troubled life, from vaudeville child star to landmark Hollywood star and eventual global phenomenon with vintage clips of jaw-dropping sequences from Keaton's filmography of his epic death-defying stunts and daredevil display of acrobatics the likes not haven't been matched in generations. Super fans included are Richard Lewis, Mel Brooks, James Karen, Johnny Knoxville, Bill Hader, Werner Herzog, Carl Reiner, Cybill Shepherd, Nick Kroll, Quentin Tarantino, French Stewart and Jon Watts. A must for film buffs.

I have never understood why lovers of silent comedy have to divide into rival gangs. There are lovers of Chaplin, Lloyd and Keaton. I think that they're all extraordinary. This wonderful documentary about Buster Keaton proves that he has a place with the gods of laughter. I like that it has so many contemporary voices in it. I would recommend this to anyone, especially those becoming acquainted with Buster.