GO WEST

Cinemavixion Review

Buster Keaton's 1925 silent comedy, 'Go West,' offers a charming, if somewhat meandering, tale of urban displacement and rural ambition. The film follows a New Yorker, played with his signature stoic grace by Keaton, who, after a string of failed city jobs, seeks fortune in the countryside. His journey leads him to the arduous task of herding cattle across the country, a premise ripe for Keaton's physical comedy and deadpan delivery. While the plot emphasizes the challenges of ranch life and the vastness of the American West, it's Keaton's inventive gags and remarkable stunts that truly elevate the material. The film is a testament to his unique brand of humor, where the absurdity of the situation is matched only by the sheer physical prowess required to navigate it. 'Go West' may not be as tightly plotted as some of Keaton's other masterpieces, but it remains a delightful showcase for his unparalleled comedic genius and a fascinating glimpse into the silent era's exploration of the American dream.