Le voyage dans la lune (or A Trip To The Moon in English) tells the story of a group of scientists who long to take a trip to the moon in order to explore it. The missile-like vessel that the group use to get to there lands in the eye of the moon, which is represented as an anthropomorphic being- the simplistic special effects stunning the audience of the time. Once there, the scientists encounter aggressive inhabitants, who then capture them and take them to their leader. The men manage to escape and arrive safely back in Paris, and were then honoured as heroes.
Being one of the earliest films accomplished purely for the enjoyment of others, it stunned me in an extremely surreal way. It represents a revolution for the time, this fourteen minute film standing out amongst its common two minute peers. When thinking about this film, my mind is instantly transported to the original whimsy surrounding filmmaking- where a shot of a rocket "hurtling" into space drew gasps from the crowd. These special effects inarguably have been accomplished due to the director, Georges Meliès, who had a background in theatrical acting and as a magician. He also contributed to the movie as a producer, writer, set and costume designer and cinematographer, seemingly understanding of the vast possibilities surrounding the motion picture camera.
Though, due to the now-poor special effects, grainy quality and black and white colouring, this may not be the perfect movie for a relaxing night at home. Though, if one does really enjoy film I would advise you sit through the whole thing- it is worth it trust me!
Widely regarded as the first sci-fi film, this silent movie cannot be missed by anyone looking for the origins of the cinematic conventions that widely dictate the movies that are created today.
Caio for now!
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