Ep 12. Le Voyage Dans La Lune

From The Earth To The Moon is a TV mini-series that was released in 1998. It explores the history of the United States' efforts to reach the moon from the perspective of the people who were involved in the work. Season 1 episode 12, Le Voyage Dans La Lune, is a fascinating look at the early days of cinema and how one of the most iconic films of all time was made.

The episode begins with Georges Melies, a filmmaker and magician, screening one of his latest films for a group of excited children. He is one of the most innovative filmmakers of his time and is constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the medium. However, he is also struggling to stay relevant in a world that is changing rapidly.

One day, Melies sees a poster for the upcoming launch of a rocket to the moon. He is inspired by the idea and decides to make a film about it. He gathers a group of actors and starts creating his vision on film. He spends months perfecting the special effects and tricks that will bring his story to life.

Meanwhile, a team of scientists and engineers is hard at work trying to actually make a rocket that can reach the moon. They face numerous setbacks and challenges, but eventually they are successful. Melies and his team hear about the successful launch and decide to incorporate it into their film.

As Melies is finishing his film, he is visited by a group of businessmen who offer to buy the rights to his film. They offer him a large sum of money, but Melies refuses to sell. He believes that his film is a work of art and not simply a product to be sold. He is convinced that it will be a great success and that people will want to see it for decades to come.

The film finally premieres and is a huge success. People are amazed by the special effects and the creativity of the story. Melies becomes a superstar and is celebrated around the world. However, his success is short-lived. As the film industry evolves, Melies struggles to adapt. He eventually falls into obscurity and his films are forgotten.

Le Voyage Dans La Lune is a beautiful and fascinating look at the early days of cinema. It is a reminder of the power of creativity and imagination and the tremendous impact that a single film can have on the world. The episode is beautifully shot and the performances are excellent, particularly that of Tchéky Karyo as Georges Melies. Anyone with an interest in cinema or history will find this episode to be both entertaining and enlightening.