Ulysses and the Giant Polyphemus (1905)

When Ulysses of the Odyssey is trapped on the island of Calypso, he must fight Polyphemus, the giant monster that lives there.

Director:

Georges Méliès

Storyline

When Ulysses of the Odyssey is trapped on the island of Calypso, he must fight Polyphemus, the giant monster that lives there.

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Plot Keywords:

reference to homer's odyssey | falling asleep | blinding | nymph | reference to polyphemus | 

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Genres:

Short

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User Reviews

Early example of 'the classics' entering filmdom

Despite the English title ('The Mysterious Island'), this short fantasy is not based on the Verne novel but is rather a stagy recreation of the story of Calypso and Ulysses (although the film ends up being a mix of tales from the Odyssey). Briefly, the great Greek hero falls sleeps in front of a cave on Calypso's Island. Nymphs appear who seduce him with music and flowers awaiting the appearance of Calypso but when he tries to follow her into the grotto, he is stopped by the giant cyclops Polyphemus. Eventually Ulysses gruesomely thrusts a spear into the monster's single eye and escapes. The simple film is shot on a single set but the double exposures used to depict the cyclops are quite effective for the time. Very good for what it is: an early trick film from one of most imaginative of the early filmmakers.

Details

Country:

France

Release Date:

1905 (France)

Also Known As:

Ulysses and the Giant Polyphemus

Company Credits

Production Co:

Star-Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

4 min

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1