The other day I went to see the band Blue Grassy Knoll play a live accompaniment to Buster Keaton’s The General.

A silent movie isn’t the kind of thing I’d normally go to, but my dad had bought tickets ages ago and then discovered he couldn’t make it. Anyway… I wouldn’t say I was reluctant to go, but I certainly wasn’t dead keen either.

I’m normally too cowardly to do reviews, but the actual show was absolutely farking amazing – as are Blue Grassy Knoll. The production was one of the most enjoyable, vibrant things I’ve seen in ages. Do anything you can to get along if you get the chance.

But, in addition to just being fantastic, The General really made me think about plot and narrative structure.* Continue reading →