Le Voleur invisible

Plot

A man dressed in a suit and cap stops at a bookseller's display window, where he discovers and purchases a copy of H.G. Wells' 'The Invisible Man.' Intrigued by the concept, he takes the book home and becomes obsessed with the idea of invisibility. Following the formula described in the novel, he successfully becomes invisible and begins using his newfound power for theft and mischief. The invisible man robs various establishments and people, creating chaos and confusion as objects seem to move on their own. Eventually, his invisibility wears off at an inopportune moment, leading to his capture and the restoration of order.

Historical Background

1909 was a pivotal year in cinema history, marking the transition from simple actualities and trick films to more sophisticated storytelling. The film industry was rapidly professionalizing, with companies like Pathé Frères establishing global distribution networks. This period saw the emergence of narrative cinema as the dominant form, moving away from the novelty phase of early film. The concept of adaptation from literature was becoming more common, though often loosely interpreted. H.G. Wells' 'The Invisible Man' (1897) was still relatively recent and had captured the public imagination, making it an attractive subject for filmmakers. The film was produced during the height of the Pathé color stencil process, which added visual appeal to their productions. This era also saw the beginning of the move from traveling showmen to permanent movie theaters, creating a more stable market for films.

Making Of

Segundo de Chomón was a master of early cinematic special effects, having previously worked as a projectionist and studying the techniques of Georges Méliès. For 'Le Voleur invisible,' he developed sophisticated methods to create the illusion of invisibility using multiple exposure photography and careful matte work. The actor would perform scenes normally, then the film would be re-exposed with the actor wearing black velvet against a black background, making them disappear in the final composite. The production team had to be extremely precise with their timing and positioning to ensure the effects appeared seamless. The film was shot on Pathé's studio sets in Paris, where the company had established sophisticated production facilities. De Chomón's attention to detail and innovative approach made him one of the most sought-after effects directors of the early cinema period.

Visual Style

The cinematography employed innovative techniques for creating the illusion of invisibility through multiple exposure photography. The camera work was static, typical of the period, but featured careful composition to accommodate the special effects. The lighting had to be precisely controlled to ensure the black masking techniques would work effectively. The film likely utilized Pathé's 35mm format with their standard perforation system. The visual style emphasized clarity and visibility of the effects, with simple but effective set designs that wouldn't distract from the magical elements. The cinematographer had to work closely with the effects team to ensure proper exposure for the multiple passes required for the invisibility sequences.

Innovations

The film's primary technical achievement was its sophisticated use of multiple exposure photography to create convincing invisibility effects. De Chomón employed advanced matte techniques and careful timing to achieve seamless transitions between visible and invisible states. The production utilized Pathé's advanced film processing facilities, which allowed for the precise control needed for multiple exposure work. The film also demonstrated early use of narrative continuity in a special effects-driven story, maintaining clear storytelling while showcasing technical innovations. The black masking techniques developed for this film influenced later special effects work in the industry. The production also likely incorporated Pathé's stencil coloring process, adding visual appeal to the finished product.

Music

As a silent film from 1909, 'Le Voleur invisible' would have been accompanied by live musical performance during exhibition. The typical accompaniment might have included piano or small ensemble music, often improvised or selected from published photoplay music collections. The musical selections would have emphasized the mysterious and fantastical elements of the story, with dramatic cues for the invisibility effects and comedic timing for the theft sequences. Some theaters might have used sound effects created by backstage musicians or effects specialists to enhance the invisible action scenes. The score would have followed the established conventions of early cinema accompaniment, with music that heightened the emotional impact of each scene.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening scene where the man discovers 'The Invisible Man' book in the bookseller's window, establishing the literary connection
• The first successful invisibility transformation, achieved through pioneering multiple exposure techniques
• The sequence of thefts where objects appear to float and move independently, showcasing the film's special effects mastery
• The climactic scene where the invisibility wears off, leading to the thief's capture and restoration of order

What Critics Said

Contemporary trade publications praised the film's technical achievements, particularly noting the seamless invisibility effects. The Moving Picture World described it as 'a clever trick film that demonstrates the advancing art of cinema.' French critics recognized de Chomón's growing reputation as a master of special effects, comparing his work favorably to that of Georges Méliès. Modern film historians view the film as an important example of early special effects cinema and a significant work in de Chomón's oeuvre. It is frequently cited in studies of early science fiction and fantasy films as demonstrating the sophisticated visual storytelling that was possible even in cinema's first decade.

What Audiences Thought

The film was well-received by audiences of its time, who were consistently fascinated by trick films and magical effects. The invisibility theme resonated with viewers familiar with H.G. Wells' novel, creating an immediate connection with the source material. Audiences particularly enjoyed scenes where objects appeared to move on their own, which were achieved through the film's special effects. The short format and clear visual storytelling made it accessible to international audiences, contributing to its commercial success across multiple markets. Contemporary reports suggest it was a popular attraction in both permanent theaters and traveling shows.

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