The Doctor and the Monkey

Plot

In this early comedy short, a doctor is examining patients in his office when a mischievous monkey suddenly appears and begins causing chaos. The primate jumps on furniture, steals medical instruments, and disrupts the doctor's work, leading to increasingly frantic attempts to restore order. Using Méliès's signature special effects, the monkey appears to magically transform objects and multiply, driving the doctor to exasperation. The film culminates in a spectacular finale where the doctor finally captures the troublesome creature, only to face further magical mayhem. This brief but entertaining showcase demonstrates Méliès's mastery of visual comedy and his ability to create fantastical scenarios within realistic settings.

Historical Background

The Doctor and the Monkey was created during the pioneering years of cinema, when filmmakers were still discovering the medium's possibilities. In 1900, cinema was transitioning from novelty to entertainment, with films moving from fairgrounds to dedicated theaters. Méliès was at the forefront of this evolution, having already established himself as cinema's first great artist with films like A Trip to the Moon (1902, though produced after this film). The year 1900 was significant as it marked the Paris Exposition, where cinema was showcased alongside other technological marvels. This film represents the early development of narrative comedy in cinema, building on the simple gag films of the Lumière brothers while incorporating Méliès's theatrical magic. The film also reflects the growing international film trade, as Méliès was already distributing his works globally through his Star Film Company.

Making Of

The production took place in Méliès's innovative studio, which was essentially a theatrical stage with glass walls and a painted backdrop. The monkey was created using either a trained animal or more likely an actor in costume, as this allowed for more controlled performances and the execution of special effects. Méliès employed his pioneering substitution splicing technique - stopping the camera, making changes to the scene, then restarting filming - to create the magical appearances and disappearances. The doctor's office set was typical of Méliès's detailed, theatrical approach to production design, with props and furniture that could be easily manipulated for comedic effect. The film was shot on 35mm film using Méliès's custom-built camera, which he had modified to allow for the precise timing needed for his special effects techniques.

Visual Style

The film employs Méliès's characteristic static camera positioning, typical of early cinema where the camera often functioned as a theater audience member. The cinematography emphasizes the theatrical staging of the action, with the doctor's office set arranged for maximum visibility of the comedic business. Méliès used careful lighting techniques in his glass studio to ensure clear visibility of the action and special effects. The camera work includes precise timing for the substitution splices that create the magical effects, requiring exact coordination between the camera operator and performers. The framing captures both the full space of the doctor's office and close enough detail to see the monkey's antics and the doctor's reactions. The hand-colored versions of the film demonstrate early color cinematography techniques, with each frame individually painted by studio workers.

Innovations

The film showcases several of Méliès's pioneering technical innovations, particularly his mastery of substitution splicing to create magical effects. The technique involved stopping the camera, making changes to the scene, then restarting filming, creating the illusion of instantaneous transformation. Méliès also employed multiple exposure techniques to create the appearance of the monkey multiplying or appearing in multiple locations simultaneously. The film demonstrates early understanding of continuity editing within a single shot, maintaining spatial consistency while allowing for magical disruptions. The hand-colored versions represent early color film technology, with each frame individually painted by skilled artisans. The film also shows Méliès's innovative approach to production design, creating detailed sets that could accommodate both realistic action and fantastical effects.

Music

As a silent film, The Doctor and the Monkey had no synchronized soundtrack. During its original exhibition, the film would have been accompanied by live music, typically a pianist or small orchestra in the theater. The musical accompaniment would have been improvised or selected from existing classical and popular pieces to match the on-screen action, with lively, comedic music for the monkey's antics and more dramatic music for the doctor's frustration. Some theaters might have used sound effects created manually by theater staff to enhance the comedy, such as crash cymbals for falls or whistles for the monkey's calls. Modern screenings of the film often feature newly composed scores or period-appropriate music selections.

Memorable Scenes

• The monkey magically appearing on the doctor's desk and stealing his spectacles, the sequence where the monkey multiplies into several identical creatures causing exponential chaos, the finale where the doctor attempts to capture the monkey only to have it transform into various objects

What Critics Said

Contemporary reception is not well documented, but Méliès's films were generally popular with audiences who appreciated his magical effects and theatrical style. Film trade publications of the era likely praised its technical innovations and comedic elements. Modern film historians and critics recognize The Doctor and the Monkey as an important example of early cinematic comedy and Méliès's developing style. Scholars note how the film demonstrates Méliès's ability to create engaging narratives within the severe time constraints of early cinema. The film is often cited in studies of animal representation in early cinema and the development of film comedy techniques. Critics today appreciate the film's charm and its role in establishing visual comedy conventions that would influence cinema for decades to come.

What Audiences Thought

Early 20th century audiences reportedly enjoyed Méliès's films for their magical effects and humorous content. The Doctor and the Monkey would have been particularly appealing due to its combination of visual trickery and broad physical comedy. The monkey character likely delighted viewers of all ages, as animal comedy was a popular form of entertainment in both theater and early cinema. The film's brief runtime made it ideal for the variety-style programs typical of early cinema exhibitions, where multiple short films were shown in succession. Contemporary audience reactions are not extensively documented, but the continued production and distribution of Méliès's films throughout this period suggests they were well-received. Modern audiences viewing the film today often express surprise at its sophistication and entertainment value despite its age and brevity.

You Might Also Like