The Play House

So, The Play House. Jeez, what a trip. It’s from waaay back, 1921, and smacks you with that old classic slapstick style no one does anymore – you know, the sort that’s almost athletic? Buster Keaton is running the show here. He’s not just starring, he’s directing too, which was a real “hold my beer” move in those days. Now Keaton, he’s that pale-faced legend with the deadpan look, sort of like if Jocke Berg tried comedy in silent films instead of brooding in Kent.

Now, the whole thing kicks off with Keaton playing EVERYONE in the theatre – men, women, kids, you name it. I nearly spat out my kaffe when I noticed he’s literally the whole damn orchestra, audience, AND the folks on stage. That editing? Wild for its time. You’d think you were dreaming after too many små grodorna at midsommar.

There’s something about that energy – it’s both chaotic and totally planned, like a Swedish crayfish party that somehow *doesn’t* end in someone skinny-dipping in icy water. I dunno, maybe cause I grew up watching Charlie Chaplin reruns with my morfar in Malung, this stuff gets me a bit extra nostalgic. Back then a film didn’t need a Marvel budget or a Hans Zimmer score to get your pulse going.

But, I’m not gonna pretend it all holds up perfectly. Some jokes feel older than surströmming, and, for real, I had to explain half of it to my nephew. Still, isn’t it kind of amazing how much can be done with just facial expressions and pratfalls? Makes me wish Swedish comedy would try this sort of madness more often, instead of just snarky one-liners on Panelen.

If you ever feel bored of CGI explosions, chuck this on. Bring some patience. Or just let yourself be surprised – just like finding a leftover semla in the freezer in July. That’s the vibe.

watch the full movie on Mavshack Movies on YouTube

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