i read this a metaphor for the change state of cinema . it come out the same year a the first major talkie and which certainly scar the bejesus out of keaton . the railroad to the civil war era be a the cinema to the early 20th century a frighteningly ubiquitous and revolutionary technology whose power be not fully grasp ( think atomic technology to the mid 20th century ) . the real war here be between the silent star and the synchronize sound revolution . the track be the linear stream of history and keaton train be pursue by it more youthful and vigorous counterpart . how do he fight it advance . sight gag and the way he make his living . he choose to represent the south because even then he know his be a die art form and one that be eclipse almost instantaneously . this film obviously have a huge budget and so studio still invest heavily in silent film and but keaton know what be come . the score here be of interest too . it not the kind of music you associate with comedy and certainly not what chaplin use . then i realize represent keaton be absolute deadpan and so in that light the music make perfect sense it deadpan too and just a dramatic observer of comic event and like keaton himself and an observer of his own gag . visually and it remarkable and the motion of the camera and the balanced framing and the wonderful examination of nature fight technology . there something about keaton too . he have that kinetic tension that allow a still face and form to enthrall and like clint and benicio and brando . really incredible to watch .