I am new to the study of slapstick. The L'Arroseur Arrosé clip features two people, one who is performing an ordinary task of watering with a hose and the other who happens upon the watering. I do not find that there is a mean intent but do see one that is playful or whimsical. In other words, you could say it's boys being boys. As far as this being the seed(s) of more complex slapstick films that it would inspire, I would say yes. As humans, we react to things that are unexpected or that could have happened to us. For example, if I fall while I am walking, most humans would laugh in that it was not them that fell and they did not embarrass themselves, which is a relief. Now had I been hurt there most likely would be a different reaction. So for me, the slapstick as long as no one gets hurt is funny as long as it is unexpected.
