Greetings,
Today, we're going to focus on the idea of quality over quantity. And yes, that is my way to try and justify reviewing a movie that is less than twenty minutes long. For real. Oh, what? I'm talking about classics this week, and what could be more classic than going back to basics? Going all the way back to 1902 for a look at a silent film that just so happens to be very groundbreaking and influential, A Trip To the Moon. Or as all the 90's kids call it, The Movie That The Smashing Pumpkins Thought Was Cool Enough To Base One Of Their Videos On. Mm-hmm. Also, I will probably just give a rundown of the whole, tiny plot, such as it is, because, let's be honest, this movie is completely about the visuals. So, if you'd like to watch without knowing, skip the next four paragraphs. You've been warned.
A Trip To The Moon, as I mentioned is a silent film from 1902. It was directed by George Melies and stars some French actors, including Melies himself, Bleuette Bernon, Francois Lallement, and Henri Delannoy. Interestingly enough, none of them were credited, and we only found out who they were after the fact.
The movie tells the tale of Professor Barbenfouillis, the president of the Astronomic Club, and his plan to take - you guessed it - a trip to the moon. Some are resistant to the idea, but eventually, it is accepted. They build a ship that looks like a bullet and literally shoot it into space, culminating with the moon getting shot in the eye. Because, in this world, the moon has a face. And that is one of the most plausible things that happens in this story. Of course, this image of the moon getting shot in the eye is probably the most iconic from this film. Go Google it and you'll find out.
Anyway, when the professor and his group land on the moon, they just kinda get out and start walking around, like they were in Times Square or something. Protective space suits are for wimps! Of course, the fact that this shows breathing in space as a thing, clearly, it inspired a few scenes in Superman IV: The Quest For Peace. Amazing! As the astronomers sleep, we see images of comets and planets and stars with people's faces in them, because why not? And then, we see snow and giant mushrooms, and of course, aliens! But what are aliens without a king and what's a king without a palace? And what is a good sci-fi movie without some explosions! Indeed.
After some fascinating mayhem, everyone returns to Earth in a totally realistic way, and they are met with a parade and celebration. Isn't that what every explorer wants? The end.
There are a few reasons why I, not only enjoy this film, but am fascinated by it. Obviously, seeing this early history of cinema is captivating, not to mention how much it has influenced other works. I also love the manner of storytelling. Unlike other silent films that would come later, this is told entirely with visuals. There's no cutting in so the audience can read a placard. You have to experience the story just by watching the images. Now, as a writer, I know the difficulty in trying to create pictures in someone's head by only using words, so I can empathize with those who had to create a narrative story in someone's head by only using pictures. But it is done so well here.
Now if you choose to watch this short movie, you will find quite a few ways to do so. For example, right now you can watch two versions on Netflix. One black and white; one in color. You can find pros and cons to both, like the music being changed in the color one, also its artificiality, and the B&W one having a bizarre voice over narration, which I think defeats the purpose. Either way, you will be able to find ways to watch the film if you want to. And you should want to.
A Trip To The Moon is a must see if you are someone who relishes in the visual art from of cinema. This is where it started and this is why we got to where we went. It's a mere fifteen or so minutes of celluloid that changed history. That is an astounding feat, one that should never be forgotten and always appreciated.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
