Cops (1925)
In the National Film Registry
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18m
Parade prankster outruns LAPD in slapstick chase. Romance, stunts, chaos ensue. Silent comedy gold!
While audiences today might recognize Buster Keaton from his slapstick comedies, his short, Cops (1925), holds a surprising place in cinematic history. This silent film pushes the boundaries of traditional narrative, showcasing elements that would become hallmarks of experimental film.
Cops breaks away from the linear plot structure common at the time. Instead, it throws Keaton's character into a relentless chase with the police, with each scene offering a new absurd situation. This fragmented narrative reflects the experimentation with form that would become a defining feature of the avant-garde movement in film.
The film's playfulness extends to its visuals. Keaton utilizes special effects in innovative ways, with one particularly famous sequence involving a multiplying gag. This experimentation with visual techniques foreshadows the emphasis on manipulating the moving image that would become central to experimental film.
Cops may appear lighthearted on the surface, but its underlying approach to storytelling and visuals places it firmly within the realm of experimental film. It serves as a reminder of the comedic spirit that could fuel the avant-garde, paving the way for a more radical exploration of the cinematic medium.
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