The Fat and the Lean (1961)

Name: The Fat and the Lean
Genre: Comedy
Released: 1961-12-01
Duration: 15 min
Rating: 6.2
Cast: Roman Polanski, André Katelbach

1961 • 15m • Comedy

On September 22, 2026

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Comedy

Dec 1, 1961•France•15m

OriginalLe gros et le maigre

LanguageFrench

W2TCH Rating62%Mixed

1 win total

Synopsis

This film tells the story of a quiet slave serving his powerful master. Played by Polanski, the slave is physically small and dressed in rags as he navigates the master's luxurious home. He plays the flute and drum for the master, his performance expressing both his desire for acceptance and a longing for freedom. Their relationship is deeply unequal but intensely personal; the slave anticipates and fulfills the master’s every need with devoted obedience. The film shows moments of both tenderness and hardship as the slave attends to the master's physical needs, offering comfort and assistance in starkly contrasting settings. The story explores themes of power, injustice, and the strength of the human spirit under oppressive conditions, set against a backdrop highlighting the contrast between wealth and the reality of slavery.