IMDb RATING
7.5/10
2.4K
YOUR RATING
Documentary on the life and works of comic genius Buster Keaton, directed by Peter Bogdanovich.Documentary on the life and works of comic genius Buster Keaton, directed by Peter Bogdanovich.Documentary on the life and works of comic genius Buster Keaton, directed by Peter Bogdanovich.
- Awards
- 1 win & 1 nomination
Photos
Dick Cavett
- Self
- (archive footage)
Frank Capra
- Self
- (archive footage)
Louise Keaton
- Self
- (archive footage)
Harry Keaton
- Self
- (archive footage)
- (as Harry "Jingles" Keaton)
Buster Keaton
- Self
- (archive footage)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe final documentary & feature film of director Peter Bogdanovich.
- Quotes
Werner Herzog, Himself: Buster Keaton always had that quiet tragedy which is very, very funny.
- ConnectionsFeatures The Butcher Boy (1917)
- Soundtracks1812 Overture
Written by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Featured review
An excellent, though occasionally flawed, look at an amazing comic.
If it wasn't for the lengthy and amazing documentary about Buster Keaton by Kevin Brownlow that was made back in the 1980s, "The Great Buster" would seemed like an even better documentary. The problem is that the 80s film was simply perfect in every way....and was long enough to thoroughly explore the man's art and life. Now, nearly 30 years later is this other film....though "The Great Buster" is a bit different in style. Sure, it shows film clips...but much of it also includes interviews with folks who either knew him or loved his work. Most of this I really enjoyed...though WHY they had Johnny Knoxville among these interviewees is beyond me....especially when he compares "Jackass" and "Bad Grandpa" to the refined and brilliant work of Keaton. It's like comparing a Hummel figurine to a Michelangelo masterpiece! Fortunately, he was only a small part of the film and the rest of it was quite good.
Having Peter Bogdonovich narrate was a bit plus, as he's one of the foremost film experts and directors there is....and I highly respect his knowledge and craftmanship you see in making this movie. I could tell it was his labor of love.
For fans of Keaton as well as the unitiated, it's well worth seeing. But do yourself a favor....find "Buster Keaton: A Hard Act to Follow" and see it first. I know it's on YouTube and a few DVDs are floating around out there. It is THE definitive story of Buster Keaton. Then, see "The Great Buster" as well....you'll be happy you did.
For fans of Keaton as well as the unitiated, it's well worth seeing. But do yourself a favor....find "Buster Keaton: A Hard Act to Follow" and see it first. I know it's on YouTube and a few DVDs are floating around out there. It is THE definitive story of Buster Keaton. Then, see "The Great Buster" as well....you'll be happy you did.
- planktonrules
- Jul 10, 2019
- Permalink
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Also known as
- The Great Buster - A Celebration
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $118,344
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $7,107
- Oct 7, 2018
- Gross worldwide
- $125,807
- Runtime1 hour 42 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.78 : 1
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