BUSTER KEATON - ONE WEEK

Cinemavixion Review

Buster Keaton's "One Week" stands as a delightful and inventive early work from the silent film icon. Released in 1920, this 19-minute short marks Keaton's debut as an independent filmmaker, showcasing his burgeoning comedic genius and meticulous craftsmanship. Co-directed by Edward F. Cline, the film plunges Keaton and co-star Sybil Seely into a hilariously disastrous house-building endeavor. The narrative ingeniously explores the perils of ill-fated DIY, with the "handymen" attempting to assemble a prefabricated home that defies all logic and physics. Keaton's signature physical comedy, deadpan delivery, and innovative use of props are on full display, making "One Week" a foundational piece in understanding his unique cinematic language and a testament to the enduring power of silent comedy.