On the "Georges Méliès Encore" DVD, the last few shorts on the disc are really, really weird--even by Méliès' standards. While I am facetious about the 'must have been on drugs' comment, it sure looks that way--as this is one weird film.
This film is hurt by not employing intertitle cards to explain what is occurring. Such cards weren't used too much at the time this film was made. A chubby guy goes to the doctor and eventually it becomes clear he wants some miracle weight loss to be administered to him. Most of the quack doctor's treatments just look like torture, by the final machine manages to make the guy explode! Then, the doctor (Georges Méliès himself) puts the guy back together and the patient is quite happy--and has shed about 50 pounds.
The film is hard to follow but the explosion effect and the dismembered body effect is pretty good for 1910. Well worth seeing if you are already a fan of the director's work--otherwise, you might try a different one first--one that isn't so confusing and weird.
This film is hurt by not employing intertitle cards to explain what is occurring. Such cards weren't used too much at the time this film was made. A chubby guy goes to the doctor and eventually it becomes clear he wants some miracle weight loss to be administered to him. Most of the quack doctor's treatments just look like torture, by the final machine manages to make the guy explode! Then, the doctor (Georges Méliès himself) puts the guy back together and the patient is quite happy--and has shed about 50 pounds.
The film is hard to follow but the explosion effect and the dismembered body effect is pretty good for 1910. Well worth seeing if you are already a fan of the director's work--otherwise, you might try a different one first--one that isn't so confusing and weird.