The turning point of Buster Keaton's on-screen sophistication, however, has been pointed to May 1921's "The Goat." In it, the comedian plays a poor smuck who seemingly gets out of jams, only to find himself in further ones. The constant barrage of improbable situations finds himself in was new to Keaton.
One of the more iconic images of Keaton which he creates in "The Goat," personifying his character perfectly is when he escapes on a train. The sequence shows a speeding train heading straight for the camera, only to find Keaton sitting in front. The train suddenly stops for a close-up of Keaton staring straight into the stationary camera. It's a portrait of the comedian which still endures today.
One of the more iconic images of Keaton which he creates in "The Goat," personifying his character perfectly is when he escapes on a train. The sequence shows a speeding train heading straight for the camera, only to find Keaton sitting in front. The train suddenly stops for a close-up of Keaton staring straight into the stationary camera. It's a portrait of the comedian which still endures today.