Les infortunes des patineurs

Plot

In this comedic short film, a group of elegantly dressed men and women gather at a roller skating rink for what begins as a pleasant afternoon of skating. As they glide around the rink with increasing confidence, chaos erupts when their skates suddenly begin moving with minds of their own, sending the skaters flying in impossible directions. The skaters tumble, collide, and are thrown into the air in increasingly absurd ways, defying the laws of physics through Méliès' signature special effects. The film culminates in complete pandemonium as the roller skaters are tossed about like rag dolls, their proper Victorian composure completely abandoned in the face of mechanical mayhem. The entire spectacle serves as a visual metaphor for technology gone awry, with the modern invention of roller skates turning against their users.

Historical Background

The year 1908 marked a significant period in early cinema, when the medium was transitioning from novelty to art form. Georges Méliès, originally a magician, had been making films for over a decade and was one of the most innovative filmmakers of his time. This film emerged during the height of the roller skating craze that swept Europe and America in the late 1900s, reflecting contemporary popular culture. 1908 was also a year of increasing competition in the film industry, with new studios emerging and Méliès facing challenges from more industrialized production methods. The film represents Méliès's continued experimentation with cinematic tricks and effects even as the industry was moving toward more narrative-driven cinema. This period also saw the beginning of the decline of Méliès's commercial success, as audiences' tastes were changing and his magical style was becoming seen as old-fashioned compared to the emerging realist traditions.

Making Of

The production of 'Les infortunes des patineurs' took place in Méliès's innovative glass studio in Montreuil, which he had designed specifically for creating his magical films. The roller skating effects were achieved through a combination of techniques including wires attached to the actors, careful editing, and multiple exposure photography. Méliès would often spend days perfecting a single effect, and his attention to detail was legendary. The actors, including regular collaborator Fernande Albany, had to perform precise movements while being manipulated by hidden wires and stagehands. The film was shot on 35mm film using Méliès's custom-built cameras, and the elaborate sets were constructed by his team of skilled craftsmen. Méliès himself took an active role in every aspect of production, from writing the scenario to directing the actors and operating the camera.

Visual Style

The cinematography in 'Les infortunes des patineurs' showcases Méliès's mastery of early film techniques, particularly his use of the stationary camera that was standard for the period. The film employs careful composition within the frame, with the skating rink set designed to maximize visual interest and accommodate the various gags and effects. Méliès utilized multiple exposure photography to create the illusion of skaters flying through the air, and his precise editing allowed for seamless transitions between different effects. The lighting was natural, coming through the glass walls of his studio, creating a bright, clear image that was typical of his work. The camera work, while static by modern standards, was strategically positioned to capture all the action and effects in a single, well-composed frame.

Innovations

This film demonstrates several of Méliès's technical innovations, including his pioneering use of multiple exposure to create the illusion of people flying through the air. The wire work used to manipulate the actors was particularly sophisticated for its time, allowing for seemingly impossible movements and positions. Méliès's mastery of the stop trick technique is evident throughout the film, with seamless transitions between different states of chaos. The film also showcases his ability to create elaborate sets that could withstand the physical demands of his effects-heavy productions. The hand-coloring process used in some versions of the film represents one of the earliest examples of color in cinema, with each frame individually painted by skilled artisans.

Music

As a silent film from 1908, 'Les infortunes des patineurs' had no synchronized soundtrack. During its initial theatrical run, the film would have been accompanied by live music, typically a pianist or small orchestra who would improvise or use pre-selected pieces that matched the on-screen action. The music would have been lively and comedic, likely incorporating popular songs of the era that audiences would recognize. In modern screenings, the film is often accompanied by period-appropriate music or newly composed scores that attempt to capture the playful, chaotic spirit of the visuals. Some contemporary presentations use ragtime music, which was gaining popularity around 1908 and fits well with the film's comedic tone.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence where elegantly dressed skaters begin their seemingly innocent afternoon of skating, the moment when the skates suddenly gain minds of their own and begin moving independently, the climactic chaos where multiple skaters are simultaneously thrown through the air in impossible trajectories, the final scene of complete disorder with skaters and equipment scattered everywhere

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews of Méliès's films from 1908 were generally positive, with critics and audiences alike marveling at his technical innovations and magical effects. The film trade press of the time praised Méliès's ability to create impossible scenarios on film, with particular appreciation for his mastery of the stop trick and other special effects techniques. Modern critics and film historians view 'Les infortunes des patineurs' as representative of Méliès's later period, noting that while it may not reach the creative heights of his earlier masterpieces like 'A Trip to the Moon' (1902), it still demonstrates his technical prowess and comedic timing. The film is often cited in scholarly works about early cinema as an example of how Méliès continued to explore the possibilities of cinematic effects even as his commercial influence was waning.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1908 generally received Méliès's comedies enthusiastically, and 'Les infortunes des patineurs' was likely no exception. The combination of contemporary subject matter (roller skating) with Méliès's signature magical effects would have appealed to both sophisticated urban audiences and family viewers. The film's physical comedy and visual gags transcended language barriers, making it popular in international markets. However, by 1908, audiences were beginning to demand more sophisticated narratives and realistic storytelling, which may have limited the film's long-term commercial success compared to Méliès's earlier works. Today, the film is primarily appreciated by film enthusiasts, historians, and scholars of early cinema who recognize its importance in the development of cinematic comedy and special effects.

You Might Also Like