Evento

HUSH: The Cameraman

HUSH and step back to a time before television, during the advent of the automobile, and before the urbanization of America. Once home to 14 theaters, Somerville was the most densely populated city in the country, and going to the movies was a social experience where people came together to share news, gossip and be entertained. A century later we celebrate the art of silent film with live music performed by Noxaphonic, curated by Erica Baptiste and presented by The Rockwell.

Monday, December 5th, 7:30PM
(1928) The Cameraman, starring Buster Keaton. 67 minutes.

Keaton trademarked the slapstick physical comedy portrayed in this film which he executes with his signature stoic expression that earned him the nickname "The Great Stone Face". The Cameraman is regarded as one of cinemas greatest comedies and Keaton himself is known as one of the greatest actor-directors in the history of silent-film. As an independent filmmaker Keaton was extremely hardworking and devoted and involved himself in every aspect of his films with a great pride in his work. In 1928 the film industry was changing and there was a transition from silence to sound and from independent studios to large production companies. Due to economic concerns and pressure from his producer, Keaton joined the movement and signed with MGM Newsreels who ironically plays a role in the film as the company where the desperate cameraman tries to get a job. Keaton later regarded signing with MGM as the worst decision of his career, as they eventually took away all of his creative freedom. The Cameraman was Keaton's first film with MGM and was the only film under his contract where he retained artistic control. Keaton made dozens of shirt films and 14 major silent features. He regarded The Cameraman as one of his greatest masterpieces and it was in fact a box office success and one of his highest grossing films. In 2005 The Cameraman was added to the National Film registry for its cultural and historical significance in American cinema.

The musicians for this performance are: Ian Hayes on auxiliary percussion, Tyler Kent on chapman stick and Alec Hutson on keys.

7:00PM Doors, family friendly, Children with Adult supervision, two youth per adult please.

Produced by The Rockwell, Noxaphonic and Erica Baptiste.

First Wednesday each month (except December). Please visit our calendar for schedule and show specific details.