Robert Macaire and Bertrand

Plot

Robert Macaire and Bertrand follows the exploits of two notorious criminals, Robert Macaire and his accomplice Bertrand, as they attempt various schemes and robberies. The film depicts their criminal adventures using Méliès's signature magical effects and theatrical staging. Macaire, portrayed as the archetypal French villain, and Bertrand engage in comedic criminal activities that often backfire spectacularly. Their misadventures include attempted thefts, escapes from authorities, and various instances of trickery and deception. The film captures the essence of the theatrical characters that were well-known to French audiences of the time, bringing them to life through early cinema magic.

Historical Background

The year 1906 was a pivotal time in early cinema, occurring just a decade after the first public film screenings. France was the world's leading film producer, with Pathé and Gaumont dominating the industry. Georges Méliès was at the height of his creative powers, having established himself as the premier fantasy filmmaker in the world. This period saw the emergence of narrative cinema, with filmmakers moving away from simple actualities toward storytelling. The character of Robert Macaire resonated with contemporary audiences as France was dealing with issues of crime and social unrest in the early 20th century. The film was made during the Belle Époque, a period of cultural flowering in France before World War I. Cinema was still a novelty attraction, often shown in fairgrounds and music halls rather than dedicated theaters.

Making Of

The production of 'Robert Macaire and Bertrand' exemplified Georges Méliès's theatrical approach to filmmaking. Méliès, a former magician and theater owner, brought his stage experience to cinema, creating films that were essentially filmed magic shows. The actors in this film were likely drawn from Méliès's regular troupe of performers, who were skilled in the exaggerated acting style required for silent cinema. The special effects were achieved in-camera using techniques Méliès had perfected, including stop-motion substitution and multiple exposures. The sets were constructed like theater scenery, with movable pieces and trap doors for magical appearances and disappearances. Méliès himself often appeared in his films, though it's unclear if he played a role in this particular production. The film was shot on 35mm film using a camera Méliès had designed himself, allowing for the precise control needed for his special effects.

Visual Style

The cinematography in 'Robert Macaire and Bertrand' reflects Méliès's theatrical background, with static camera positions and compositions reminiscent of stage productions. The film was shot using a single camera setup, typical of early cinema, with the camera positioned to capture the entire scene like an audience member's view of a theater stage. Méliès employed his signature techniques of substitution splices for magical transformations and disappearances. The lighting was natural, coming through the glass walls of his studio, creating a bright, clear image quality. The visual style emphasized clarity and spectacle over realism, with bold compositions and carefully choreographed movements within the frame. Color was likely added through hand-coloring for premium versions, with each frame individually painted by women workers in Méliès's studio.

Innovations

This film showcased several of Georges Méliès's pioneering technical innovations, including substitution splices for magical effects, multiple exposures to create ghostly images, and sophisticated use of theatrical machinery adapted for film. Méliès developed these techniques through his background as a magician, bringing stage illusions to the new medium of cinema. The film demonstrated early narrative editing techniques, though Méliès typically preferred long, continuous takes reminiscent of theater scenes. The production utilized painted backdrops and movable scenery that could be changed between takes, allowing for rapid scene changes. Méliès's custom-built camera allowed for precise control over exposures, essential for his complex effects. The film also represents early use of color through hand-coloring techniques, which were labor-intensive but created spectacular visual effects for audiences of the time.

Music

As a silent film, 'Robert Macaire and Bertrand' would have been accompanied by live music during exhibition. The specific musical score is not documented, but typical accompaniment for Méliès films included popular songs, classical pieces, and improvised piano or organ music. For a film about criminals, the music might have included comical or dramatic themes to enhance the action. In France, accompaniment might have included popular café-concert songs of the era. Some larger theaters employed small orchestras to accompany films, while smaller venues used a single pianist. The music was chosen to match the mood of each scene and help tell the story to audiences who might not be familiar with cinema conventions. No original soundtrack survives, as was standard for films of this period.

Memorable Scenes

• The film likely featured scenes of magical transformations and appearances/disappearances characteristic of Méliès's style, with Robert Macaire and Bertrand using trickery to commit crimes or escape capture. These scenes would have utilized substitution splices and other special effects to create seemingly impossible actions that amazed contemporary audiences.

What Critics Said

Contemporary reception of Méliès's films was generally positive, with audiences marveling at his magical effects and theatrical storytelling. Critics of the time praised his imagination and technical innovation, though some traditional theater critics viewed cinema as inferior to stage performance. The film trade press of 1906 likely noted the film's entertainment value and technical achievements. Modern film historians recognize this film as part of Méliès's important body of work that helped establish the language of cinema. The film is studied today as an example of early narrative cinema and the transition from theatrical to cinematic storytelling. Current scholarship appreciates how Méliès preserved and adapted cultural figures like Robert Macaire for the new medium of film.

What Audiences Thought

Early 20th century audiences were captivated by Méliès's films, which offered a magical escape from everyday life. The familiar character of Robert Macaire would have been immediately recognizable to French viewers, adding to the film's appeal. Audiences particularly enjoyed Méliès's special effects, which seemed like genuine magic to viewers of the era. The film likely played well in both French domestic markets and international exhibitions, as criminal adventures were universally understood themes. The combination of comedy, crime, and magical effects made it popular across different social classes. Contemporary audience reactions were recorded in trade journals noting the film's success in various venues, from fairground tents to more respectable theater settings.

You Might Also Like