Charlie Chaplin vs. Buster Keaton

[Scottie]

Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton were two of the biggest stars of the silent era and their legacy continues to live on to this day due in part to the preservation of their film catalogues.

Although Buster Keaton was the more impressive of the two from a technical perspective, I believe Charlie Chaplin to be the complete package.

The beauty of Charlie Chaplin lies in his comedy style. He saw the world through a different lens than most individuals, past or present, as reflected throughout his career. Rather than using slapstick just to use slapstick, for example, Chaplin used his talents as a tool for examining the moral and social problems of the world. Furthermore, his multidimensional characters highlight both the beauty and the emptiness that often comes with the "good" life.

Which one do you prefer and why?

[GorillaGuy]

Chaplin because of City Lights

[The Great Owl]

I vote for Buster Keaton.

There's something about Keaton's stone-faced composure during the most chaotic of situations that helps me relate to him all the more, because the focus is on the situations themselves instead of on any expressionist reaction. The comedy tends to come about in a more natural and life-like way.

I love the films of Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd, but Keaton's works get the edge by a slight margin.

[W0m6at]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I vote for Buster Keaton.

There's something about Keaton's stone-faced composure during the most chaotic of situations that helps me relate to him all the more, because the focus is on the situations themselves instead of on any expressionist reaction. The comedy tends to come about in a more natural and life-like way.

^ This
To me, it feels like Chaplin is trying to wring every possible laugh out of a scene. To me, Keaton's comedy feels more natural.

[Todd Tomorrow]

Keaton. I far prefer his deadpan to Chaplin's sentimentality.

[qb2333]

exact opposite as above ^^^

[AKORIS]

went with Keaton...

[Cat III]

Keaton.

[Villiam Hayes]

Charlie Chaplin.

[PopcornBandit]

Originally Posted by GorillaGuy

Chaplin because of City Lights

This. Although to be fair, I've never actually seen a Buster Keaton film.

[hidef al]

This was a tough one. My vote goes to Buster

[Winslow Leach]

Chaplin

[DR Herbert West]

Keaton

[traths]

Charles Chaplin

[Hindustani]

KEATON

he did some lethal stuff. Donno how he is not killed on camera.

[pab1219]

Chaplin.

[CreasyBear]

Keaton, quite easily. I love Modern Times and The Great Dictator though.

[prkchopexpress]

third option - harold lloyd

[drush9999]

fourth option - Fatty Arbuckle (poor bloke)

[Cruel Angel]

Chaplin for me