A Trip to the Moon by Carter Vance

 by Carter Vance

A trip to the Moon representing the longest movie of its time coming in at 14 minutes.  The creator, George Melies, was ahead of his time in bringing the story of scientist traveling to the moon, fighting off aliens and returning successfully to earth all while be welcomed home by an elaborate parade.  

Mr. Melies uses illusions throughout the film to bring his story to life.  One important example of an illusion, is when the scientist land on the moon.  The back drop is a painting not a set and he was able to show the rocket land and the people climb out of the rocket. When you watch them open the door, it looks like the door is actually being opened when in reality it is a picture.  Another good example, is when they fire the rocket ship out of the cannon.  The cannon is actually a drawing or painting but Melies added smoke to picture to make it appear like it is actually being fired. 

This film is well known for the picture of the man in the moon.  The scene where the moon is coming
towards the camera shifts as the rocket lands in its eye and the face changes to show an expression of sadness.  This use of trick photography was used throughout the film.  Later when the aliens are attacking, he uses smoke to make the aliens disappear once hit by the scientist.  Additionally, he made an umbrella turn into a mushroom and then the mushroom appears to grow or float. 

This short film tells a full story without using words or sound.  Just by watching you are able to see the progression from scientist or wizards wanting to discover the moon to launching a rocket to discovering aliens on the moon and then returning to Earth victorious for their discovery.  







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