Known as the ‘Great Stone Face’, standing at an astounding 5’5″ we honour a style icon, Buster Keaton. Unconventional, timeless, and one of a kind comedic sensibility, this man’s legacy is more than just dissolving film and a steely gaze. From a time where men had to be men, Buster found a spot for himself amongst film royalty, with a unique perspective to comedy, and a whimsy to his overall performance nobody could replicate. Watching old reels of this pro, we know we’re witnessing true magic.

“Tragedy is a close-up; comedy, a long shot.”
Buster Keaton

“Silence is of the gods; only monkeys chatter.”
Buster Keaton

Born Joseph Frank Keaton VI, by Vaudville performer parents Joe Keaton and Myra Keaton in Piqua, Kansas on October 4, 1895. The family soon came to tour the Vaudeville scene touring with a medicine show with one of the most dangerous acts about how to discipline a prankster child. Joseph adopted the nickname ‘Buster’ given to him by up and coming Illusionist Harry Houdini himself. Keatons father threw his son down a flight of stairs, where the Illusionist would pick up and dust off the young unharmed boy, referring to the fall as a “buster”.

Business savvy Joe Keaton recognized the appeal of a great show name. Developing in showbiz would lead a young Keaton to search for work in New York where Buster met successful film star and director Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbunkle. This led to Buster being cast in a short The Butcher Boy in 1917, an appearance that would launch Buster Keaton’s film career.

A true individual, Buster would never hesitate if he saw potential for a laugh, whether through some kind of physical comedy stunt (often insisting to do his own stunts which wasn’t common at the time), or going as far as dressing in drag.  This showman brought a fresh spin to the fading Vaudville scene.

Always relevant with the keen sense to know times are a’ changin’, and with a clear baritone voice and stage past, he had nothing to fear over the inevitable transition  of silent movies to ‘talkies’ .   Buster  wanted to bring his signature style to a new generation.  He came to remake many of his past works from the directors chair with modern actors shot for shot.

Having an eclectic and interesting upbringing, style was never something to shy away from for Buster Keaton. Buster busted out of the box with his outlandish and fun fashion choices, be it a tailored tuxedo, or a disheveled clown get-up. His charm and wit always will resinate through his work.

“I gotta do some sad scenes. Why, I never tried to make anybody cry in my life! And I go ’round all the time dolled up in kippie clothes-wear everything but a corset . . . can’t stub my toe in this picture nor anything! Just imagine having to play-act all the time without ever getting hit with anything!”
Buster Keaton

Having battled his own demons being an alcoholic, as well as having some failed marriages under his belt. His personnel was riddled with up’s and down’s, as is the biz. He would come to have a few children from different wives, but it was in 1940, he met and married his third wife Eleanor Norris, who was deeply devoted to him, and remained his constant companion and partner until Keaton’s death.

He was deservedly honoured with an Honorary Academy Award in 1960 for his unique talents and contributions to the film industry. Buster really did have it all, and we think his star is still shining bright today. Special thanks to fuckyeahbusterkeaton who has a great tumblr full of great Buster content!

He passed away at his home, peacefully in his sleep, shortly after playing cards with his wife.

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+R.I.P.+

Here’s some stuff from {THE EYE OF FAITH SHOP} to conjure up the look!

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Until next time,

{theEye}

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