Representation

• How were women used in Buster Keaton films?

  function in narratives as devices for conflict and as Keaton's love interest
• What is Sybil Seely (wife) role in one week?

  More a stronger role. She is equal as the two characters pull together to build and retain their house but still reinforces traditional gender role as she cooks breakfast while Keaton attempts to build the house
• How does Keaton make awareness of the camera (breaking the forth wall) in One week?

  Acknowledges a voyeuristic role of the camera in the sequences where Seely takes a bath. When Seely drops the soap while bathing, a hand appears to cover the lens as to protect Seely's modesty. Seely breaks the forth wall by smiling at the camera, aware she is being watched.
• How is female gender represented in The Scarecrow?

  Sybil Seely plays Keaton's love interest

  Keaton states "I don't care how she votes, I'm going to marry her' - a reference to the success of women's suffrage, as most American states had granted women full voting rights by the end of 1919
• How is Keaton's girlfriend represented in Cops?

  As snobbish and cruel, in contrast to his sweet young bride in One week

  She functions mainly as a plot device as her rejection of Keaton leads him into a series of mishaps
• What kind of characters did Silent film comedians play?

  Child-like and naïve characters which to a certain extent, defy traditional masculine roles.
• How does Keaton subvert traditional masculine roles in One week?


  Un One week, Keaton struggles to conform to traditional masculine roles as he is unable to build a home for his wife or cope with the most basic tasks.
• How does Keaton possess some typical masculine traits?

  He uses physical strength and performs all of his own stunts. He also demostrates ingenuity with building and using mechanical objects.
• What aesthetic style do all 4 Buster Keaton shorts share?

  Typified by symmetry, frames, parallel lines and circular imagery.