"People say I'm like Chaplin, and that's a complete misunderstanding," Keaton said. "Chaplin had a wanderlust philosophy, and I'm a laborer of integrity." Buster Keaton wrote, directed, and starred The movie Sherlock Holmes II was released in 1924. The rich imagination and smooth editing of this film are even far beyond some of today's films. The number of long shots is amazing, reality and dream are intertwined, and the "play within a play" sequence where the protagonist walks into the screen is even connected with Woody. Allen's "Purple Rose of Cairo" also pales in comparison. As a comedian on par with Chaplin, Keaton's film themes have remained largely unchanged. The protagonist is still a very lucky and optimistic boy, only sad when he is alone, but Keaton is more melancholy and quieter. They all have or dream of having a cane, and with that cane straighten their backs, they become gentlemen. Chaplin in "The Gold Rush" had better luck, and Keaton in "Sherlock Holmes II" was more industrious. But what they have in common is kindness, and the beloved girl will always accept them. In that black and white silent world, both men and women always hold hands shyly and secretly look at each other. Although at the end of the film, the legendary detective experience proves to be just a dream, it still gives a positive feeling. I think these fairy tale movies all embody the optimistic American mood after World War I, the kind of mood that made many Americans believe that dreams can come true as long as they work hard.
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