Moviedrome Introduction
Film Details
Release Date: 1963
Stars:
Plot Summary:
"Man with X-Ray Eyes" is a 1963 science fiction horror film directed by Roger Corman and starring Ray Milland. The movie follows the story of Dr. James Xavier, a scientist who develops a serum that gives him the ability to see through solid objects. As Xavier's power grows, he becomes obsessed with pushing the limits of his abilities, ultimately leading to a descent into madness.
The film explores themes of scientific ambition, the consequences of unchecked curiosity, and the ethical dilemmas of using newfound powers. As Xavier's vision becomes more penetrating, he uncovers dark secrets and witnesses events he was not meant to see, causing him to spiral into paranoia and fear.
"Man with X-Ray Eyes" is notable for its atmospheric cinematography, creative visual effects, and Ray Milland's compelling performance as the tormented protagonist. It has become a cult classic within the science fiction and horror genres, praised for its blend of psychological tension and supernatural elements.
Dr. James Xavier: I'm blind to all but a tenth of the universe.
Dr. Sam Brant: My dear friend, only the gods see everything.
Dr. James Xavier: My dear doctor, I'm closing in on the gods.
The film explores themes of scientific ambition, the consequences of unchecked curiosity, and the ethical dilemmas of using newfound powers. As Xavier's vision becomes more penetrating, he uncovers dark secrets and witnesses events he was not meant to see, causing him to spiral into paranoia and fear.
"Man with X-Ray Eyes" is notable for its atmospheric cinematography, creative visual effects, and Ray Milland's compelling performance as the tormented protagonist. It has become a cult classic within the science fiction and horror genres, praised for its blend of psychological tension and supernatural elements.
Personal History
First watch of a film that I would have been aware of as generic 60s SciFi/Horror
Current Review
Shorter than some episodes of an HBO flagship series and packing quite a punch. Yes, it's dated. The acting can come across as wooden. But it's got a moral compass, a message and a quite superb ending, that could only have been improved if a short, much mythicized additional line of dialogue was included.
Like The Fly, this is a warning of too much science and man's curiosity getting the better of him. We have a lab and an experiment on a monkey that goes wrong. This doesn't stop Dr Xavier experimenting on himself. Initially, we have success. His serum enables him to see through people and things.
You know where this is going.
Episodic - we move to a joyous scene of bad dancing at a house party, Dr X can see everyone in the nip. He rather reveals his hand, by describing people's covered birthmarks.
He uses his powers for good, even when he gets in trouble. Stepping in, rather violently mid operation to save a misdiagnosis.
A colleague and friend falls out of a window and X is on the run. Bizarrely, turning up at the circus.
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| The All Seeing Eye |
Then it's LA - where he is a whizz at Pontoon. Like the party, he doesn't play it cool and he is on the run from the law. In a pair of huge sunglasses that cover his physical deterioration.
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| Best to cover up.... |
In the desert, he stumbles into a gospel sermon and in some distress, waits his turn for forgiveness from the preacher.
Matthew 5:29 - "If thy eye offend thee, pluck it out", taken to its logical conclusion.... after a wonderful piece of raving dialogue about an all seeing eye staring from the centre of the universe.
This is what Moviedrome is all about....
Quirky Facts
- The rumoured last line after the rave is Dr X shouting "I can still see!"
Quotes
Dr. Sam Brant: My dear friend, only the gods see everything.
Dr. James Xavier: My dear doctor, I'm closing in on the gods.
Dr. James Xavier: The city... as if it were unborn. Rising into the sky with fingers of metal, limbs without flesh, girders without stone. Signs hanging without support. Wires dipping and swaying without poles. A city unborn. Flesh dissolved in an acid of light. A city of the dead.
Dr. James Xavier: Saved? No. I've come to tell you what I see. There are great darknesses. Farther than time itself. And beyond the darkness... a light that glows, changes... and in the center of the universe... the eye that sees us all.
[Looks up at the sky]
Dr. James Xavier: No!
Preacher: You see sin and the devil! But the lord has told us what to do about it. Said Matthew in Chapter Five, "If thine eye offends thee... pluck it out!"
Sustenance
If you want to loosen up to do the Twist with a woman twenty years your junior, you best be on the gin.
Future Inspiration
A feature on the film highlights that Stephen King's Danse Macabre details this as Cormans most Lovecraftian film. This book of horror recommendations looks like a treasure trove of future inspiration.
I knew I had seen Ray Milland before buts it tough to remember with these old school actors. Transpires he was the star of The Lost Weekend, a film that I really need to rewatch.
There would be a lot of work if I tackled Roger Corman's back catalogue. Fortunately, BFI have produced a list of his top 10 works.
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