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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1931 Vision of Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle
The enduring fascination with That's My Line is a testament to the defining moment in Short history that Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle helped create. This film stands as a masterclass in visual storytelling, it has cemented its place in the global cult cinema archive.
In That's My Line, Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
To fully appreciate That's My Line, one must consider the cinematic climate of 1931. During this period, United States was undergoing significant artistic shifts, and Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle was at the forefront of this Short movement, often challenging established norms.
| Cinematography | Static |
| Soundtrack | Diegetic |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle's style and the core Short narrative.
The first in RKO Pathe's series of "Traveling Salesman Comedies" has Louis John Bartels traveling to Mexico to sell his line of underwear. He garners the attention of a fair senorita which does not set well with the chief of a gang of bandits, and Bartels is soon seeking the USA/Mexico borderline.
Decades after its release, That's My Line remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.