Melies Takes Us to the Moon

         Everything about Georges Melies' "A Trip to the Moon" makes me smile.  The exaggerated acting, the elaborate set designs, and every other aspect right down to the slumber party on the moon give the short film a certain charm.  Although part of the reason for the smile on my face while watching was because of how silly it all seemed (the hand-painted color, the faces on the moon and stars, the lack of space gear and knowledge of space travel, etc.), it is so interesting to think of what a breakthrough Melies' films really were.  During a time when motion pictures were still so new, it must have been remarkable to watch a full story played out and projected in front of you.  Melies combined techniques and machinery from the theatre, and this gave his films a much more interesting quality.  He also experimented with different editing techniques such as dissolves, which can be seen all throughout "A Trip to the Moon."  As a magician, Melies had showmanship and a love for theatrics.  It's safe to say that these qualities shine through in his film work.