BUSTER KEATON

Recently, there have been a few Buster films on MUBI, a streaming service which shows old and new classic films. I thought I’d seen them all, but one in particular was so sweet, but he ends up being chased by hundreds of brick-throwing women. It’s called Seven Chances. He emerges unscathed, as usual, but what struck me was the absurd amount of danger he puts himself through; what’s essential is the precise timing, the careful framing, and (this is a hundred-year-old film) the countless amount of times he avoids terrible injury. Out of all the male characters who populate his films, Buster is a delicate-looking Art Deco vase compared to the rugged, battle-scarred chaps (Snitz Edwards, is a perfect example) who surround him. I thought I should make him an icon, but give him a few bruises, to reflect the near-misses that made his job so spectacularly wild. Genius, really. Limited Edition of 50. Signed by the artist. Frame not supplied.