035 - Buster Keaton

Buster Keaton definitely defined the physical comedy. The extent that he went to to create not only a comic relief for his audience but even a thrill in the capacity of his stunts, which very nearly caused him great harm. It has been quoted that he instructed the cameramen to only stop rolling until he yelled 'cut' or if he was killed. His antics did startle those on set with him but the effect certainly paid off. He remained completely stark and plain in his acts rendering him the name "The Great Stone Face". This did have a profound effect on his humour and made his reaction to what was happening around him more believable.
The same effect can be applied to animation. It is very tempting to create a reaction that is completely outrageous and facially expansive, which has it's place, don't get me wrong. On the other hand something as simple as a deadpan expression on a characters face while the most ridiculous situation is occurring may in fact bring out more humour.
Charlie Chapman had a very comic facial expression to his comedies and he applied it well to his acts and in some cases he also used a deadpan expression. He did not however (in my opinion that is) reach the level that Keaton did achieve. I can watch a piece by Keaton laugh and then in the next clip go "Ooo, that was close" which is something Chapman can't bring out in me. Needless to say both where good at what they did and deserve the recognition for it.