Today, we viewed a short film by Buster Keaton entitled "Cops". This film has many similarities to Chaplin's "A Dog's Life", but is also unique in several regards. The film also follows a regular/middle class protagonist, but this character is not quite as down on his luck as Chaplin's tramp. However, both characters are certainly interested in obtaining money and becoming a part of society. Just like the tramp in Chaplin's film, this character wants to find love and the American dream. However, in this film, women are portrayed as money-hungry, which is different from Chaplin's film where women are portrayed as just wanting to get by. The most obvious correlation between the films is the presence of the crime/society theme. Both characters are held down by societal forces that stand in the way of obtaining their dreams. The most obvious difference between the films is their finales. Whereas Chaplin's tramp obtained his happy ending, Keaton's character gives himself up to the police and his dreams are essentially killed.
Stylistically, the films are also different. Chaplin focuses a great deal on his face and the emotions. Thus, he has a more personal involvement. Keaton, however, has many long shots which show large groups of people. Keaton also explores new ways of placing cameras to get more movement. Also, Keaton often shows the character taking on these large crowds/forces. Chaplin, however, also shows the individual taking on 1 or 2 other people.
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