You Can’t Do This at Home: The Magic of Georges Méliès

English: Screenshot from Le Voyage dans la lune (A Trip to the Moon) (1902) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

George Méliès, magician and magical filmmaker, made 520 short films from 1896 to 1913. What an honor and thrill it is to see a collection of these works of art narrated by his great granddaughter Marie-Hélène Lehérissey-Méliès. To make this ciné-concert even more special, the films are shown with brilliant piano accompaniment provided by his great-great grandson Lawrence Lehérissey-Méliès, who, by the way, is a spittin’ image of his legendary grandpa.

Home Projectionists thrive on creating cinematic experiences in their own abodes. This one, however, would be impossible to duplicate. Plan to get to Minneapolis, Ann Arbor, or Boston in the next couple of days to experience this must-see event. For a complete schedule, go to http://www.live-boutique.com/site/-Cine-concert-Georges-Melies-.html?mode=agenda

The ciné-concert features 15 of his masterful films, including my favorites, “The Man with the Rubber Head,” “Bluebeard,” “The Fairy Caraboose,” “Cake Walk Infernal,” and a fascinating re-enactment of the “Coronation of Edward VII.” Each and every one is a delight and treasure, showcasing the genius, spirit, and magic of Méliès brought to life by his innovative use of stop motion, time lapses, and dissolves, not to mention the beautiful hand tinting that appears in a few of the films.

It’s been more than 100 years since George Méliès brought his artistic visions to life. They’re still sheer cinema magic.

Gloria Bowman is a writer, storyteller, blogger, movie lover, freelance editor,
and author of the novel, Human Slices.
Access her blog at www.gloriabowman.com; on Twitter @GloriaBow