If you haven’t been introduced to the surreal world of Buster Keaton, you’re missing out. Fans of the great silent comic know what I’m talking about: in Keaton’s shorts and feature films, viewers are thrown into a world of hyper-literalism, absurdity, and unexpected beauty. We get to watch a small, strangely ripped man tumble into crazy situations and ridiculous predicaments all while keeping a completely straight face—the famous stone face of legend.
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I have it on good authority that the famously-silent comic of such classics as A Night at the Opera and Room Service was packing heat.
But there’s something else to love about Buster Keaton, something newer fans are just learning. Way back in 1918, he was giving queer excellence on the set of Fatty Arbuckle’s film The Cook.
Now a snippet from the film scored by Madonna’s “Vogue” is making the rounds on social media, and it’s a rare delight in these hideous times.
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“The origins of the ‘Vogue’ dance moves have always been disputed….Willi Ninja is often called the “godfather of vogue”.…but come on…. Just look at Buster Keaton busting a groove in the early 1920’s !” wrote one user on Instagram.
Obviously vogueing was not invented by Buster Keaton, a white man (lol). But we do have to give it up for this incredible interpretive dance in this short film. Before Keaton branched out on his own as an auteur, he frequently showed up in his best friend Fatty Arbuckle’s films. This was before the famous s*x sc*ndal that brought Arbuckle’s career to a grinding halt in 1921, by which time Keaton was directing and starring in his own short films and features. But his appearance in The Cook is especially notable, both for his insane dancing skills and how goddamn hot he looked.
Keaton’s body could do incredible things, and every one of his films is a testament to his acrobatic approach to comedy. Luckily, this is the perfect time to discover (or rediscover) this silent genius. An extensive survey of Keaton’s films are now streaming on The Criterion Channel for those interested in doing a deep dive…
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