No man can be a genius in slapshoes and a flat hat. -- Buster Keaton
Watch his (Keaton's) mind as it contemplates a hostile universe whose violent whims Buster understands, withstands and, miraculously, tames. -- Richard Corliss
The trait that most characterizes Buster Keaton, and what makes him ever fascinating to watch, is his serene and dispassionate response to all that befalls him. When Keaton's face that looks upon unforeseen and unprecedented disaster, it displays no reaction at all.
It's not just that the expression on his face never changes, it's that he immediately accepts the most blatantly abnormal occurrences, he immediately adapts himself to the new reality without blinking an eye.
Sustained Optimism
Roger Ebert said of Keaton:
Buster survives tornadoes, waterfalls, avalanches of boulders, and falls from great heights, and never pauses to take a bow: He has his eye on his goal. And his movies, seen as a group, are like a sustained act of optimism in the face of adversity
My Favorite Keaton Scene
In my favorite Keaton scene, in my favorite Keaton film, The Navigator, Keaton is adrift on an ocean liner. Just he and his girlfriend are on board the ship. At one point, Keaton must put on a diving suit and make some repairs under the ship. While making the repairs a swordfish attacks him. He subdues the swordfish, but then is attacked by a second sword fish. Without hesitation, he uses the first swordfish as his sword to duel with the second sword fish.
It's the essence of Keaton, complete acceptance of reality and dealing with it on its own terms.
I think that we are on pretty sturdy philosophical ground when we adopt the perspective of Keaton. As you carve out your niche in life, meet overwhelming adversity with the same unruffled acceptance and sustained optimism, and you may live a more harmonious life.
As long as we take that attitude, the spirit of Buster Keaton lives on.
3 Reasons Why You Become a Giant When Your Write Your Book
Are You Big Enough to Pay it Forward?
My Upcoming Radio Interviews
Jan 30th, 10:40 AM (Central Time), I will discuss how people can find their niche in life in what their heart tells them to do, with Patti Penn of WJBC AM 1230 in Bloomington, IL. You can also listen to the interview on the internet at http://wjbc.com/.
Tune in Tuesday, January 10th at 7 PM eastern standard time for post holiday treat, as I will be discussing my new book "Carve Out Your Niche" on the ArtistFirst Radio Network (http://www.artistfirst.com/)
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