The General - Craig Walters

I believe there is most definitely more sophistication in The General than all the shorts we watched, it seemed more realistic as the shots were much choppier, like in more modern films. By choppier, I mean to say that a scene was shot at multiple angles, which provide a clearer view of the setting and catch the attention of the audience more by a constantly changing the perspective of which we, the audience, see the action. Not only that, but the use of multiple camera angles evokes an emotional response with the audience. The primary source throughout The General to evoke such a response was the use of close-ups.

Close-ups are vital to any film, present or past. Even in today’s films actors must be able to fill character with unspoken emotion and thought, this is even more vital with silent films, as there is no spoken emotion or thought. Buster Keaton’s character was very well done because of the emotions in which he evoked, which were made possible by the use of close-ups. Without many of the close-ups used in this film it would have been majorly deprived of humor and satire, while creating an emotional attachment between the main character with the audience which would’ve left the film void of any memorable action.

Lastly, I have a quick question, could there be any association between the title of the movie, The General, and the nickname for the Charger in the old show, and more current movie, Dukes of Hazzard?