•
Rating: So, so, so...let's see...how to start a review like this one? Let's talk about one of the very first masterpieces in the history of cinema. A film that has long surpassed its 100-year mark and is still rightly remembered. In 1902, Méliès crafted a work destined for immortality, generally considered the first science fiction film, based on two novels, the first being "From the Earth to the Moon" and the second "The First Men in the Moon."
Let's clear up a concept straight away: with the means available in 1902, creating something that aimed at the "fantastic" or "science fiction" already represented a crazy and courageous idea. Certainly, at that time, there weren't all the "comforts" that a production can have today, so a director had to rely almost exclusively on his ingenuity and genius, and there's no need to say Georges Méliès was an absolute genius...!
We can't call it a movie; it's about 15 minutes long, but given its importance, I don't feel right calling it a "short film." The work was shot at 16 frames per second, it's a silent film (naturally), and since we are dealing with a work made in 1902, it's clear that it's in black and white, although today there are some beautiful color versions available. Some versions have also been "musicated" by notable artists like Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze, and other important figures in the music world. Many "attentive" people have wondered why the film cuts out many (even important) elements from the scene. This is explained by the fact that the camera used by the director (Méliès) wasn't able to fully capture the entire scene that needed to be represented because it lacked a viewfinder. So, in this case, as well, the operator had to rely on good sense. Everything is represented in a highly theatrical manner; Méliès edits his 16 frames shot so that they assume a frenetic rhythm to the eyes of the viewer who was not yet used to all these "novelties."
But now, let's get to the heart of the film. It's clear that Méliès points the finger both in favor of and against science. The enthusiasm of man to go in search of things only dreamed of and hoped for becomes a reality. We see these scientists invent a kind of rocket capable of being literally shot in the direction of the moon. It's important to note how this rocket actually has a clear gun bullet shape. When they are "fired," the moon becomes larger, ever closer, with two eyes, a nose, and a mouth, and its expression changes drastically when it sees the missile/bullet "in its face," leaving it injured. It even bleeds. The bullet hit the moon square in the face, causing a wound, maybe not fatal but certainly painful. What does all this mean? I believe that in this case, Méliès reveals the other side of the coin, meaning that if he initially highlighted man's enthusiasm, he now underlines man's extreme presumption, his boundless desire for power and knowledge that inevitably leads him to go against nature or rather...leads him to open doors that perhaps man is not allowed to open. The scene of the bleeding moon is most likely the first scene that rightfully entered cinema history. We will find it in many other works, cinematographic, literary...even that crazy Rob Zombie references the scene in his "The Lords of Salem." A very important, fundamental scene that can have infinite interpretations. However, the work does not end here; in fact, once landed, these scientists will go exploring and will make a sinister acquaintance with the "men of the moon," aliens, in short...who, in the restored version, seem to be green...who knows if back then they already knew something about the Dargos (an alien species that became famous after some abductions...in Italy, we have the famous Zanfretta case). These scientists will be kidnapped by these beings, but the abduction will be of short duration; in fact, our heroes will manage to escape and return to earth.
The "triumphant" return of our heroes brings all the pride and joy of the Earthlings, very happy with the great success achieved. A party is held, a big party, and here's the twist...an alien enters the scene and sows panic among the people, but even this time the event is bound to last very little since suddenly the alien starts dancing with the children present at the ceremony. Most likely, Méliès hoped for a friendly encounter between humans and extraterrestrials, an encounter that still hasn't happened on our planet (at least officially)...but if one day this thing becomes a reality...I would like to see men and aliens dancing and playing, in an atmosphere of harmony and peace. Knowing men...I have little belief in this climate of peace, but hope is always the last to die.
It must be said that in 1902 there was certainly a much more "limited" understanding of space compared to today, which is why watching this film today can evoke a sense of tenderness in the viewer. It is evident that Méliès "trusted" in a wonderful future for man and the world of science. This wonderful future today is not even seen with the world's most powerful binoculars since there is continuous warfare among superpowers. Just imagine, they are doing everything to convince us that man has never been to the moon...they are doing everything to prevent us from knowing the truth about UFOs and aliens...when will we ever see the "Voyage to the Moon" ending in reality? Perhaps...never ever.
Now as usual, go ahead with the insults, or rather no...this time...this time...this time...got it...put yourselves inside a missile/bullet and hit me right in the face! Not bad, huh!
VinnySparrow
Loading comments slowly
