In a bold cinematic experiment, Buster Keaton's timeless 1924 comedy Sherlock Jr is receiving a fresh lease of life with an alternative rock soundtrack courtesy of REM. This innovative pairing, part of the Silents Synced project, debuts in UK cinemas from 5 February, offering audiences a unique twist on a silent-era masterpiece.
A Novel Fusion of Classic Comedy and Modern Music
Josh Frank, a multi-talented figure in the film industry who operates the Blue Starlite Mini-Urban Drive-In Theatre in Austin, Texas, has masterminded this creative assembly. By synchronising Keaton's 45-minute silent film with tracks from REM's mid-1990s albums Monster and New Adventures in Hi-Fi, Frank aims to bridge generational gaps in cinema appreciation. The project also includes Keaton's shorter two-reeler, The Balloonatic, which features a techno score by Brazilian composer Amon Tobin, extending the runtime for a fuller theatrical experience.
Does the Music Enhance the Films?
While the indie guitars and techno beats may not significantly elevate Keaton's wild comedic invention, their primary purpose is to draw in new viewers. The Silents Synced initiative, which previously combined the 1922 version of Nosferatu with Radiohead's music, focuses on introducing contemporary audiences to silent-era auteurs and classic rock acts. Legal intricacies were likely navigated to secure rights for this global cinema tour, showcasing a blend of artistic curation and logistical prowess.
Technical Tweaks and Historical Context
Additional modifications have been applied to the films, such as colourising certain on-screen objects and incorporating visual effects. These alterations spark debate over whether Keaton, renowned for his stunt work and in-camera tricks, would have endorsed them. However, they provide a fresh lens to appreciate Sherlock Jr's groundbreaking nature—a meta-narrative where Keaton's projectionist dreams himself into the film he's screening, pioneering cinematic self-reference long before it became a common trope.
Ultimately, this repackaging serves as a noble effort to recycle intellectual property in a meaningful way, potentially fostering a renewed interest in silent classics and their enduring legacy in film history.
