You Must Remember This 58: MGM Stories Part 3: Buster Keaton’s Biggest Mistake
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Sep 29, 2015 In 1928, Buster Keaton made a fateful decision, trading his creative independence for a contract with MGM. This move, influenced by industry giants like Chaplin, led to a crushing loss of artistic control. The clash between his inventive style and the studio's demands resulted in personal turmoil, including struggles with alcohol. Despite achieving fame, Keaton faced a downturn, demonstrating the perils of 'selling out.' His journey reflects the broader tensions between independent filmmakers and corporate interests, encapsulating the transition from silent to sound cinema.
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Buster Keaton's Early Career
- Buster Keaton began performing in his family's vaudeville act as a toddler, showcasing his famous "Great Stone Face" deadpan style.
- He evolved into a filmmaker known for performing his own spectacular and risky stunts in silent films.
MGM Deal: Keaton's Biggest Mistake
- Keaton signed with MGM in 1928, a decision he later called the worst mistake of his career.
- Though promised creative freedom, MGM constrained him, leading to a stark decline in his artistic control.
Improvisation Clashes with Studio
- Keaton's filmmaking approach was largely improvisational; he'd know the story's start and end, but develop scenes spontaneously during shooting.
- MGM's rigid schedules and structured processes clashed with Keaton's creative freedom, stifling his improvisational style.