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Right in the Eye – Live Movie-Concert of Georges Méliès' Films

 
Scott Blair Review by Scott Blair 4 Published: 23 Aug 2019 French Institute Show Dates: 2 Aug 2019-25 Aug 2019

Georges Méliès is often described as the inventor of cinema. Originally working in theatre and with experience in magic and special effects, he was one of the first to make use of the Lumière Brothers' invention to create narrative movies which took fantastical stories and ideas as well as develop many types of special effects in filmmaking.

A magical adventure of film and music, unlike any movie-concert I have ever seen before.

Some of Méliès' most popular films include A Trip to the Moon (1902), The Impossible Voyage (1904) and A Nightmare (1896). Jean-François Alcoléa is an accomplished musician, stage designer and performer who, with his company, has taken the magical worlds and great fantasies produced by Méliès to create a movie-concert that is truly enchanting.

The performance takes you through 12 films by George Méliès accompanied by the unique music of Jean-François Alcoléa along with a short documentary introduction highlighting Méliès and his accomplishments. The show begins as soon as you enter the auditorium; entering the main hall of the French Institute, Alcoléa and his team have designed a staging of instruments, lamps and objects which feels as if you are in Méliès' workshop or studio.

This also changes throughout the show to fit the atmosphere of each film and is something to behold. From pianos, guitars and chimes to crystal glasses and spoons, Alcoléa use everything at their disposal to create music that sounds outstanding and fits well with the world of Georges Méliès and the actions taking place within it. The trio of musicians are easily able to match their music to the actions, emotions, moods and wonder of each film shown.

Right in the Eye is a magical adventure of film and music, unlike any movie-concert I have ever seen before. Alcoléa and his team of musicians and creatives have taken the excitement and spirit of Méliès’ work and made the perfect musical accompaniment.

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The Blurb:

A live trio of French musicians intertwine playful modern compositions and the fantasy of the legendary filmmaker Georges Méliès, father of cinema and the inventor of special effects. French composer Jean-François Alcoléa and his fellow musicians use sound and image to create a universe as inventive as the filmmaker's creations were. 'It is at once inventive, elegant and moving' (Chronique, Festival OFF d'Avignon). 'Creatively intelligent. All the sounds and music brought Georges Méliès' films to life' (Houstonian).