Camera Man: Buster Keaton, the Dawn of Cinema, and the Invention of the Twentieth Century

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Buster Keaton's life and career are explored in Camera Man, a book that was named a Best Book of 2022 by The New Yorker, Publishers Weekly, and NPR. It places Keaton's creative genius in the context of his time and examines concurrent developments in entertainment, journalism, law, technology, the political and social status of women, and the popular understanding of addiction.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2022
Publisher: Atria Books

In this groundbreaking "new kind of history" (The New Yorker), the esteemed film critic of Slate explores the unique creative genius of comedy legend and acclaimed filmmaker Buster Keaton within the context of his era. Born in 1895, the same year that the film industry emerged, Keaton began his career as the young star of a family slapstick act, renowned for its extreme violence in vaudeville. Starting in his early twenties, he embarked on a remarkable decade-long journey as the director, star, stuntman, editor, and all-around mastermind behind some of the greatest silent comedies ever created, including Sherlock Jr., The General, and The Cameraman.

Despite facing challenging times during his middle years, marked by severe depression and struggles in the entertainment industry, Keaton's life reflected the changing world around him. He achieved success in three distinct mediums at the height of their creative prowess: vaudeville, silent film, and the experimental early years of television. Throughout his action-packed seventy-year journey, his life intersected with influential figures such as escape artist Harry Houdini, pioneering Black stage comedian Bert Williams, television legend Lucille Ball, and literary innovators like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Samuel Beckett.

In her book, Camera Man, film critic Dana Stevens takes a deep dive into Keaton's life and work, examining concurrent developments in entertainment, journalism, law, technology, the political and social status of women, and the popular understanding of addiction. With a wealth of knowledge and infectious humor, Stevens skillfully hops between disciplines, bringing us up to the present day, where Keaton's breathtaking (and sometimes life-threatening) achievements continue to inspire and captivate audiences. Through her insightful analysis, Stevens sheds light on the enduring legacy of this comedic icon, whose influence extends far beyond the screen.

Weight: 233g
Dimension: 213 x 140 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501134203