Le locataire diabolique (1909)

Director:

Georges Méliès

Genre:

Short | Comedy | Fantasy

Plot:

A man rents an apartment and furnishes it in remarkable fashion.

Cast

André Méliès	...	Le Concierge
Georges Méliès	...	Le Locataire diabolique

Also Known As:

The Devilish Tenant (USA)

Runtime:

6 min

Country:

France

Color:

Color (hand-tinted)

Sound Mix:

Silent

Movie Connections:

Featured in Le fantôme d'Henri Langlois (2004)

Once again, the genius and inventive trick cinematography of Méliès

Only recently have I discovered the marvelous and very early films of the French genius Méliès. I call him a genius because his films are so inventive, so different and unique that he clearly transcended his contemporaries. Whereas the average films of his day were almost plot less and dull by today's standards, many of his films are still terrific in the 21st century.

This movie, named THE DEVILISH TENNENT in Enlish, is packed full of the most amazing trick camera-work and even features hand colored cels--giving it a color look well before the days of Technicolor. Sure the color isn't perfect, but for its day it was amazing--especially since all six minutes of the film is in color--not just a tiny portion. And when it comes to camera tricks, the entire movie is one trick after another! A man moves into an apartment with just a suitcase. But, it's magical and he is able to pull out paintings, furniture, a piano, a fireplace and eventually even his entire family out of the suitcase--in a most convincing fashion for 1909. Then, later when he doesn't have the money for the rent, he packs everything up and disappears--leaving a BIG surprise for his landlord! This is just one of those "you gotta see it to believe it films"--as no review can do this amazing work justice.

If you want to see this film online, go to Google and type in "Méliès" and then click the video button for a long list of his films that are viewable without special software.