The Monster

Plot

An Egyptian prince, devastated by the loss of his beloved wife, seeks the help of a mystical dervish who resides at the base of the Great Sphinx. The dervish performs elaborate magical rituals, summoning supernatural forces and transforming objects through his mystical powers. Through a series of spectacular special effects and magical transformations, the dervish attempts to help the prince reunite with his lost love or find peace. The film showcases Méliès' signature style of theatrical magic and illusion translated to the cinematic medium. The narrative culminates in a fantastical resolution where the supernatural intervenes in the mortal realm, demonstrating the power of magic over earthly sorrow.

Historical Background

1903 represented the peak of Georges Méliès's creative output and commercial success. The early 1900s saw cinema transitioning from novelty to established entertainment, with Méliès's fantasy films playing a crucial role in developing narrative cinema. This period coincided with heightened Western interest in Egypt following the 1899 opening of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and ongoing archaeological discoveries. The film emerged during the golden age of French cinema, before the rise of American dominance in the industry. Méliès's work during this time was instrumental in establishing many cinematic conventions, including the use of narrative storytelling, special effects, and genre filmmaking. The film also reflects the theatrical traditions of the 19th century being adapted to the new medium of cinema.

Making Of

The production took place in Méliès's innovative glass-walled studio in Montreuil, which allowed him to control lighting while using natural sunlight. The elaborate Egyptian sets were constructed by Méliès and his team of craftsmen, who created reusable set pieces that could be adapted for multiple films. Méliès, drawing from his experience as a theater manager and magician, choreographed every movement precisely to achieve the timing needed for the substitution splices and multiple exposures. The film was shot on a hand-cranked camera, requiring steady, consistent cranking speed to maintain the illusion of continuous action. The transformation effects were created through careful editing and the use of black backgrounds to isolate elements for multiple exposure techniques.

Visual Style

The cinematography reflects Méliès's theatrical approach, with static camera positions capturing the action as if from a theater audience's perspective. The film uses painted backdrops and elaborate stage sets to create the Egyptian environment. Lighting was natural, coming through the glass walls of Méliès's studio, creating dramatic shadows and highlights. The camera work was straightforward but precise, essential for executing the multiple exposure and substitution effects. The visual composition follows theatrical conventions with clear foreground, middle ground, and background elements.

Innovations

Pioneering use of multiple exposure techniques to create magical transformations and appearances. Innovative substitution splices for seamless special effects that were revolutionary for the time. Sophisticated use of stage machinery and props to create the illusion of supernatural events. Development of in-camera special effects techniques that would influence cinema for decades. The film demonstrates Méliès's mastery of temporal manipulation through editing, creating effects that appeared to bend time and reality.

Music

Originally accompanied by live musical performance, typical of early cinema exhibitions. The specific musical scores varied by venue and were often improvised by house musicians or pianists. Some theaters used popular classical pieces while others commissioned original compositions. Modern screenings typically feature period-appropriate music or newly composed scores that reflect the film's magical and mysterious themes. The absence of synchronized sound was standard for the period, with visual storytelling carrying the entire narrative weight.

Memorable Scenes

• The transformation sequence where the dervish summons supernatural forces through elaborate hand gestures and magical incantations, showcasing Méliès's pioneering special effects techniques with objects appearing and disappearing through substitution splices.

What Critics Said

Contemporary reception was generally positive, with audiences marveling at the magical effects and fantastical imagery. Trade publications of the era praised Méliès's technical innovations and imaginative storytelling. Modern critics and film historians recognize the film as an important example of early fantasy cinema and Méliès's signature style. The film is now appreciated for its historical significance and its role in developing cinematic special effects techniques. Critics note how the film demonstrates Méliès's theatrical background and his unique approach to cinematic storytelling that differed from the emerging realist tradition.

What Audiences Thought

Early 20th century audiences were captivated by the film's magical effects and fantastical narrative, which represented a stark contrast to the actuality films common in the era. The film was commercially successful through Star Film Company's international distribution network. Modern audiences viewing the film often express fascination with the primitive special effects and the glimpse into early cinematic imagination. The film continues to be shown at film festivals and special screenings focusing on cinema history, where contemporary viewers appreciate its historical value and artistic innovation.

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