Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1923 Vision of Roy Del Ruth
In the storied career of Roy Del Ruth, Skylarking stands as a the atmospheric immersion that Roy Del Ruth achieves throughout Skylarking. Reflecting the political and social shifts of the 1923s, it reinforces the idea that cinema is a medium of infinite possibilities.
In Skylarking, Roy Del Ruth 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.
| Cinematography | Deep Focus |
| Soundtrack | Diegetic |
| Editing | Rhythmic |
| Art Direction | Naturalist |
Visualizing the convergence of Roy Del Ruth's style and the core Comedy narrative.
Mack Sennett's frenzied slapstick style gets a spectacular lift in this high-flying comic fantasy. A hapless inventor named Victor Edison sets out to demonstrate his latest creation, a cross between an automobile and hot air balloon. After a few misfires he and another man's wife set out soaring over the city. It's a wondrous flight but, this being a Sennett comedy, there are angry spouses and lions waiting in the wings.
Decades after its release, Skylarking remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Roy Del Ruth's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.