Day 4

      "Le Voyage dans la Lune" (1902) by George Méliès  was surprisingly interesting for a silent, black and white film. I did not expect all the details on the set such as the rocket ship, the snow, the choreography of the aliens, and the arrival into the ocean. Before watching the short film I would not have thought a silent movie would be entertaining.  The portrayal of aliens on the moon was humorous because of the outlandish jumps and struts. I thought their reaction to the humans mimicked the way an indigenous tribe might act to trespassers perhaps of a different complexion. The aliens brought the humans to their ruler as prisoners but they escaped back to Earth with one of the creatures in tow. I believe the film was meant to be outrageous on purpose; it was too far fetched even for 1902. It seems more like the absurdity was actually a device to create wonder or humor in the audience. At the end, every one parties as does the alien. The sets were very interesting to see. In comparison to the graphics of 2015, the setting where the rocket ship landing in the sea looks like a fish tank. Nevertheless, to the audience of 1902 it likely seemed very realistic especially with the added effect of the fish and distortion caused by the old methods of film making.