The Astronomer's Dream; or, The Man in the Moon

Great painted backdrops.

Despite its short length, this feels like a deeply passionate and sincere effort for all involved.

Even then, it is hilarious. Great physical comedy and I think the humor has helped make this age well. Alongside that wacky animatronic moon and gonzo dream-logic. We owe George Melies the world! He understood the film medium and editing process in ways his peers apparently didn't.

Astronomer's Dream, The (1898)

*** (out of 4)

aka La Lune a un metre

An astronomer is in his office working when the devil and a woman appear to him and this sets off a strange dream, which includes the moon attacking him. This is another enjoyable film from Meiles as we get to see various magic tricks including the familiar gags of the astronomer going to sit down only to have the chair disappear. What really stands out in this film is the attack by the moon, which is perfectly done and leads to several laughs. I love Melies' design of the moon making it something to fear with its evil eyes and mouth. The special effects are quite nice throughout. This is certainly a good place for newbies to start.

Fantastic short film from pioneering filmmaker Georges Méliès. A great companion piece to his later classic, A Trip to the Moon (1902). That name was also given to this one when released in the US. The original (and more fitting) name is The Astronomer's Dream. The story to this is an astronomer who looks like Merlin is visited by a woman and a demon and has dreams about the moon. The special effects and sets are really cool, especially when you consider this film's age. Méliès was ahead of his time in many ways. Definitely worth a look for anyone into film history or silent shorts or anyone with a few minutes to spare. I can't imagine anyone seeing this and regretting it. Well, a-holes maybe.

After I watched "La lune à un mètre", I read the summary for this short film on IMDB...and I must say that it explained a lot of what I just saw! Yes, the film is quite confusing and exactly WHAT is happening and WHY...well, they seem a bit illusive. Now none of this is to say this is a bad film. After all, it was made by the French master, Georges Méliès, and you know this means lots of trick photography and magical moments....and this one has plenty of them! So, instead of summarizing the film, I say just watch it and all the weirdness and just enjoy....it's clever, cute and much like so many of his other films, albeit the only one with a gigantic moon that eats telescopes!! Fun.

I can't believe that no one else has commented on this yet. This amazing film was one of the first "story" films, with sets like a play. It is a wonderment and leaves so much inspiration for the imagination. It is not in popular circulation, but perhaps it should be. If you can get a chance to watch this one do at all costs. If you can't find it then just think of the Tonight Tonight video by the Smashing Pumpkins. It's about the same except they are separated by about one-hundred years and by a whole barrage of special effects. All in all they are both wonderful and interesting to look at.