March 13, 2017 (Monday)
In 1902, a film was made that changed the direction of film making. It was a French film and its title in English was, “Trip to the Moon.” In 2011, another film was made about a boy in 1931 who created interest in the work of the director of that film. That movie was entitled “Hugo.”
Those of you who have seen the movie, “Hugo,” will recognize the picture of the man in the moon being socked in the eye by a space vehicle. It is a scene from the movie, “Trip to the Moon.” “Hugo” featured an emphasis upon the creator of that film, which authorities in the movie industry consider to be the first sci-fi film. It is a tribute to George Melies, the earliest of the science fiction movie makers.
The 1902 silent film was a great success and many of the methods along with the storyline were copied by other film makers internationally. In fact, it introduced the idea of narrative to the movie business. Up until it came along, films were more like documentaries about various things going on in the world of that day.
The film has become more famous with the passing of time and keeps gaining prestige as a landmark in movie making.
“Hugo,” the movie which revived interest in Melies’ work, tells the story of an orphan boy living in the walls of a train station in 1930s Paris. He follows in the steps of his dead father, who kept the train station clocks running and invented unusual things. He meets Melies, who left film making to become a shopkeeper in the train station. He also meets Melies’ god-daughter, an adventurous girl. Together they help each other to reach into our innermost thoughts and feelings, bringing inspiration to attain new heights of personal achievement.
“Hugo” is a family film that lifts the spirits of viewers and helps a person to feel better about life.
More and more films are being made that Christians enjoy these days. We are thankful for them and for their makers.