Short Film Spotlight: A TRIP TO THE MOON (LE VOYAGE DANS LA LUNE)

Welcome to another installment of SHORT FILM SPOTLIGHT. This week we take a look at a film from the Silent Era, the 1902 short film...A TRIP TO THE MOON (LE VOYAGE DANS LA LUNE).

Here's the synopsis:

The film follows a group of astronomers who travel to the Moon in a cannon-propelled capsule, explore the Moon's surface, escape from an underground group of Selenites (lunar inhabitants), and return to Earth with a captive Selenite.

The film actually features an ensemble cast of French theatrical performers, led by director George Méliès himself in the main role of Professor Barbenfouillis, and is filmed in the overtly theatrical style for which Méliès became famous.

I chose this film because it introduced me to the silent film era. I love how the musical score and actors' body language perfectly conveyed to me what was going on in the film. Sometimes it's easier to communicate through body language or other nonverbal cues. I love silent films because without talking, the audience really has to pay attention to the performances of the actors. Facial expressions say much more than we think.

The costumes were interesting, but it was 1902 after all. They were very simple and made out of cardboard, which was neat. My favorite scene was when the men were trying to escape the aliens. It was interesting that even back in the early 1900's, people were interested in contacting aliens. I also love the iconic image of the rocket being stuck in the moon.

It's important to study films from the past and see how far film technology has advanced. This film is an important part of cinematic history because it combined theatrics with great comedic timing. People back in 1902 hadn't watched that many films. They were fascinated by a trip to the moon because of its visual effects and the thought that they'd never get there themselves. The film was very popular, and remains to be as many have tried to duplicate it, but George Méliès never actually made any profits off it.

Be sure to share this film with your friends as its one that every true film fan should see at least once in the lifetime.

If you have a short film or know of one you'd like to see featured on SHORT FILM SPOTLIGHT, please EMAIL me and don't forget to like and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!!