Sherlock Jr.

I have found myself pleasantly surprised in this week’s film selection of Sherlock Jr. (1924).  I knew in signing up for this class that we would undoubtedly be assigned a silent movie.  Between clocking out, momentary studio work time, and a speedy bike ride to the daycare center I was able to settle down onto the smelly futon in the Sculpture Department with Lizz to watch 45 minutes of ridiculousness.  

We both groaned a bit when the first bit of text popped up on the screen, but I was soon surprised to be laughing at Buster Keaton’s silly antics.  His situations were both relatable and relevant, from trying to sneak some personal reading time into your work day, to sweeping up garbage, to feeling inadequate, unsure, or awkward around his crush.  These are all situations that, nine decades later, I can still personally embody and experience on a daily basis.  

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Throughout the film we joked about his intense makeup, glorious stunts, and unfortunate luck.  I was able to draw comparisons to the short series created by David Cross The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret (2009).  Vulgarities aside, Todd Margaret and Sherlock Jr. both have the leading man (David Cross and Buster Keaton, respectively) vying for the attentions of the leading lady (Sharon Horgan and Kathryn McGuire).  In both comedies, Cross and Keaton’s characters are trying to be something they are not.  Cross is masquerading as a successful salesman and Keaton as a detective.  The villains in both cases are also “sheiks” (Blake Harrison and Ward Crane).  

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There are a surprising amount of parallels between the comedy in 1924 and contemporary comedies.  The smallest misstep or misfortune draws the biggest laugh, which underlines the idea that we find humanity hilarious.  Also, fake mustache.