Only took me 52 years to see this film. Brilliant, particularly that it was produced almost a century ago. The awesome visual comedy aside, the movie stands alone as an action movie, the production of which would have been epic in its time. An absolute delight from start to finish.

A seamless blend of action and comedy, exploring a man's love for the humble locomotive, The General is currently the only film I've ever seen from Buster Keaton. Featuring gags that are as much artful exercises in stuntwork and timing as they are orchestrated attempts at humour; the fact that they work so well is both a testament to Keaton's brilliance as a filmmaker and performer, crafting a character who is stoical, determined and preternaturally straight-faced as chaos reigns around him. The wind whips through Buster's hair while smoky pine-covered hills rise and fall around him, it's a film that never tries to be beautiful, instead, its beauty is in its functionality. It doesn't flaunt its virtues and like Keaton's concise, deadpan and economical performance, it holds a great deal in reserve, it never forces a response from the audience, never manipulates and never overplays, even the famous shot of the bridge collapse is seriously downplayed, an impressive effect for sure and one that most filmmakers would hold on for a longer time. That's ballsy of Keaton and I can only respect him for it, like a train itself, The General rarely ever slows down, barreling from one hair-raising and frequently hilarious set-piece to the next at the speed of an express.

Que filme lindo! Muito divertido, dos tempos románticos do cinema mundial, tempos esses que nunca vão voltar.

I came here for the over-the-budget train scene that put a damper in Buster Keatons career. Love this movie. The stunts looked very dangerous

Im not the biggest fan of silent films. Especially ones that come out a hundred years ago. This film however was a good not great time and I still very much enjoyed myself while watching it. Overall the characters in the film do what they are supposed to to keep the film moving but at the same time, I found myself caring for them and wanting them to succeed. The film also gets into some serious material that has a lot of effects on the people watching it. It speaks a lot about the roles of people and the film industry and I found that to be very interesting. Overall I did enjoy this film and for a silent film that came out a hundred years ago it was something I had a good time watching. I would recommend this to some people because someone like my friends who aren't crazy into films wouldn't enjoy this. However I could see me film friends really getting something out of this.

I have always not been too fond of silent films, I am not its biggest fanatic, particularly due to how boring they might be at times. Though this is clearly an exception, The General is not only an exception, it is an engaging film that can have you on the edge of your seat. I really njoyed this work from Buster Keaton, it is extremely thrilling, especially the train chase sequences. It is also filled with such great stunts, Keaton really put himself through a lot to get this done and some specific shots done, but it pays off well as they are the highlight of the film. These stunts make the film even more of an edge of your seat type of watch. I really do enjoy just how much Keaton perfectly blends humor with thrilling moments in such a perfect way, they fit here, Keaton’s character is at many times, involved in comedic sequences and also in ones filled with suspense. You just want to root for Keaton’s character especially after what happens to him at the beginning, he’s not accepted to enroll due to being deemed as too valuable for his work, though others think he’s a failure and didn’t want to enroll. Obviously, at the end, he earns the right to join after having gone through so much, he also proves himself to be valuable as he informs the generals of incoming attacks he spotted. Overall, this is a stand out of the silent film era, its approach to stunts, thrilling sequences have a very modern feel to it, the train sequence in particular is one to remember.

The General is surprisingly engaging and ahead of its time especially considering that the film was made in 1926. The pacing is similar to a modern action movie and is packed full of incredible and comedic stunts. It is amazing and somewhat terrifying that Keaton does his own stunts, especially due to the fact that there were far less safety precautions in the past. Considering the film had to be shot on film, there are many shots that are absolutely breathtaking and some scenes that were so masterfully captured it is hard to believe the film came out so long ago. It definitely has had a significant impact on many action movies, the train chase remains somewhat of a cliche in cinema. While some may say that the setting and political aspects of the film are beside the point, it is important to note that Keaton chose to portray a Confederate soldier as his protagonist, and while that is kind of unimportant to the actual plot, he could have chosen any other uniform to wear and any other soldier to portray. While this fact doesn't take away from the skill that went into the creation of the film, it does subtly glorify the Confederacy. It is based on true events but I think there could have been a way to adjust the story so that the heroes were not Confederate soldiers. It is a product of its time and is an example of the excellent films that resulted from the Silent Film era.

Its unconventional protagonist's political leaning may not be to everyone's taste, but The General is a well-written comedy that sports incredible visuals and a typically outstanding performance from Buster Keaton.

I'm not one to recommend silent films to anyone, more so to my close friends. But this film itself drove me to let others know how enjoyable it was to watch. From beginning to end I was intrigued by the character itself and how well timed everything was. It wasn't too slow or too fast, every scene and action was done with such perfected precision. Let alone the cinematography. I can understand why this film is so highly praised (now) regarding its shot/camera work. I would say it was the hit point for me coming from seeing other silent films and this being such a drastic change of 'flow' per se as its competitors. The camera work itself was made me not take my eye off the screen, and I say that because I've wondered and looked away from the screen when seeing other silent films, even slept, but this one didn't. This is why I also recommended it to other friends due to the camera work, knowing they would love it too. Learning how this film itself did not succeed as it was intended bashes me because it's profoundly an amazing film. Every action speaks for itself throughout the film, which drives the viewer to not get bored or lost with the plot. Overall, like I said the film itself is amazing; by far one of the most enjoyable silent films I've seen (yet), and I'm very grateful I got introduced to it in class. This film really made me want to seek and see what else there is for silent films (coming from someone who never put interest in them).

Buster Keaton's "The General" is one of the best silent films I have watched and there are many reasons for that. Many silent films I have watched prior have had some boring scenes or stories that are hard to follow but this film kept me engaged from start to finish and I can't think of any moment where I needed clarification or not interested. One major aspect that greatly stood out to me is the stunts performed by Keaton throughout the entirety of the film especially the ones done on the moving train because at the time there wasn't the advanced technology we have today to do these scenes like the use CGI or green screens which means all the stunts done in the film were real and performed on an actual moving train. Also, from the knowledge I know about the film, there weren't any professional stunt performers hired to do these train scenes meaning Keaton performed all these dangerous stunts himself. Without any spoilers, there is a specific scene towards the end of the film that is amazingly done with the train that by the looks of it was only able to be shot on one take since it was filmed on site and its outcome is disastrous. Aside from its amazing stunt work, the story was beautifully presented which could've been hard to achieve since it is a silent film. Although the film follows a very common storyline of a man battling through many obstacles for a woman, it is done in an amazing way that can be interpreted in many ways depending on the viewer especially when it comes to talking about Keaton's characters' goal of chasing down the train. Overall, I highly recommend everyone to watch this film because it is not only an important part of film history but the production and story are beautifully done. I believe many films we see today and will continue to see in the future will use inspiration from The General.

That some people think this was a misstep on Keaton's part for representing the Confederacy in this brilliant piece of cinema is pretty laughable. Just watch the movie and enjoy a master at work!

Prior to watching The General I was never a big fan of silent films, I always lost interest and focus while watching them. As I a film major, it is important to understand the history of cinema and how it has evolved and reached its current state. Watching the first silent films and stars of that time is paramount. Buster Keaton does a wonderful job showcasing not only the story but creativity in his shots. For example I was genuinely impressed by the shot of the train crossing the burning bridge and crashing into the river as the soldiers watched from below. A real train and bridge were destroyed for the sake of the scene, making a pretty expensive creative decision. Keaton’s work payed off as the film was voted top 10 greatest films of all time according to the Sight and Sound poll. As I watched the film I was curious to see how these stunts were performed as they used trains, cannons, and men getting swept into fast moving water. In the current times we have so many safety protocols put in place as well as the use of stunt doubles and CGI. As stated in the article, “The General” by Robert Ebert, “It is important to note that he [Buster Keaton] never used a double and did all of his own stunts, even very dangerous ones, with a calm acrobatic grace.” The actors and filmmakers on this set were so dedicated to their craft to be taking such dangerous risks to get the perfect shot. We see actors running and jumping from moving train to moving train as well as loading and firing cannons. All-in-all The General was a captivating film and was very advanced for its time.

At first I wasn’t excited to watch another silent film, just because sometimes they can be boring. But I was so wrong about The General, its very exciting and I was just in awe of the film overall. The General was very ahead of its time. The cinematography of this film felt very modern, with the close ups, the sets, and the stunts. The close ups allow us to be right there with the character in their emotions, and thats something that not a lof of films at this time did. When there was one, I didn’t really notice it until moments later because that’s something that we’re used to seeing in modern films. A very notable shot in this film, is when Johnnie is looking at Annabelle through the cigar hole in the cloth.The sets as well, weren’t set up like a play like how other silent films can be. We are actually moving with Johnnie in his journey, with his train. The stunts I was in complete amazement by them. Like when the bridge blows up and falls into the river, that was insane. I can’t imagine what that would’ve been like to see that for the first time during that era. Because now, we’re used to huge stunts and things blowing up. But for that time, its like wow! This film overall is a very fun watch and something that probably wasn’t appreciated during the time of its release. Luckily now we are able to give it it’s appreciation the film deserves!

This was my first time watching "The General," and even though initially I was hesitant because silent films aren't usually at the top of my list, I was pleasantly surprised. The humor and cinematography felt very modern for a film from the silent era. I liked that Buster Keaton was able to perform all his own stunts which was amazing. I was specifically amazed by the scene where he sort of slides down the side of a cliff because It looked painful, however he executed it very well. As well as the stunt done in the train chases and the battles were very entertaining to watch. Something I also liked was the storytelling. Even with it being a film set during the American Civil war, the film didn't feel overly historical or too focused purely on the war. Marion Mack’s performance was also very well done, her comedic timing was spot on and I think added a lot to the charm of the film. In conclusion, "The General" didn't feel like it was made in 1926. Buster Keaton did an outstanding performance and I can see why it has great reviews and is said by many to be one of the greatest silent films. The General is definitely one I would and already have recommended to others!

Buster Keaton’s The General was an exceptional film to me, going through the journey of a railroad engineer fighting the union soldiers in order to save his lover. Comprising of humor, historical events, actions, and romance. I mean come on, what can be better than getting everything all in one. I was impressed that the film managed to balance all these elements in the story. I have to admit that I’m not a big fan of silent film, probably because I’m one of those gen z kid, being spoiled by all these advance cinematic experiences. However, this one was difference, as a film students I have huge respect for the filmmakers and casts working on this film. They did a terrific job by overcoming all the limitations of the technology while able to execute their vision with determination, without any CGI or miniatures. Besides that, I was also astonished by the stuns performed by the casts, such as jumping cross the trains, hitting someone with wooden plank, to being splash by water hose etc. Still, I were able to perform well and brings their characters to life. Keaton’s character reminds me of Charlie Chaplin, but a more relatable and human-like one, with a bit of exaggerated action just like theatre play I bet it helps the audience to comprehend the story without dialogues. The production design was mind blowing, especially during the climatic scene where the train collapse on the bridge, it looks so real, because it is real. It drives me to look into their budget, it is a whopping $750K in 1926, it is like the mission impossible of today, yes the pun is intended. This film is inspiring, it makes me realized how privilege we are. It change my stereotype against silent film. I wouldn’t want this film to be canceled and would definitely encourage people to watch it because it is fun and entertaining way to learn about the historical depiction. This is indeed a masterpiece and a film of the era.

Almost 100 years old and still slaps! Action, comedy, romance, epic set pieces! The stunt work is insane! Perfectly paced, too!

Amazing, especially the dangerous stunts. No miniatures or CGI special effects here, when it came time for a steam locomotive to crash into the river, they got a real steam locomotive and crashed it into a river.

No option to delete. Put the stars in the middle. sorry. Today was a Wednesday, 22.05.2024ce.

Some of the best stunts that you will ever witness in a movie. Along with the great story, you are sure to have a great watching experience! Highly recommend to anybody with a great appreciation of cinema

Movie magic, pure and simple. Not only is it fun and thrilling but there is also a grandiosity to it, that I did not expect.