I haven't watched very many silent films, so I really can't draw many comparisons. I watched this because of Brooks, and I was not disappointed with it. Making a "non-talky" this long after that died out was an impressive feat, whether or not you like that genre or the result. What's interesting here is what he did beyond simply doing such a piece decades after the time of their grandeur(he's hardly the only person who's ever thought of, or accomplished, something like that... the Coen brothers did, as well, though I'm not sure it was as many years), mainly in the high self-awareness evident throughout, and one specific bit that works on several levels, which I will not wreck by putting it here. The comedy is what you'd expect from Mel. A lot of silly material, some downright childish and/or sexual in nature. There are references and spoofs, as well. This may have more slapstick than the other movies helmed by the man, for obvious reasons. The physical gags and humor in general varies, and a little of it does fall flat, at times landing hard. It's the right people doing the stuff, though, Feldman(whom I don't believe I've seen before) and DeLuise, in addition to the lead himself, do great. The music fits perfectly, and sound is used extensively and to good to magnificent effect. The cameos are cool. There isn't a whole lot of plot, the focus is on getting laughs, and there are portions that could be cut without the overall feature losing much beyond jokes and running time. I can't promise this is necessarily one that stays with the viewer, and while that is a matter of taste, I would imagine that plenty of fans of the old pre-sound-recording releases remain fresh in their minds... and since there are still copies available for purchase, at least here and there, it would seem that they do still have an audience. I recommend this to fans of the director/star, and/or, to a lesser degree, the others involved in making it. Those who love the type of silver screen production that this is about I would say will be divided in opinion of it. 7/10
Review of Silent Movie
