Ulmer's THE MAN FROM PLANET X (1951)
Posted: July 20th, 2007, 7:22 pm
I'm wondering if anyone had a chance to watch or tape Edgar G. Ulmer's bizarre science fiction film THE MAN FROM PLANET X on TCM the other evening.
MAN FROM PLANET X is definitely an acquired taste. I didn't care much for it the first couple of times I saw it. Eventually I developed a fondness for it, possibly borne out of a growing appreciation for many of Ulmer's other films (DETOUR, STRANGE ILLUSION, BLUEBEARD, etc). The mannered dialogue, the beautifully shot scenes along the misty moors--all contribute to a thoroughly unusual viewing experience. It's important to keep in mind that Ulmer's films exist in a galaxy all their own; they simply do not resemble anyone else's.
As a result, I think many people come away from this film a little disappointed because it really doesn't have much in common with the spate of low budget science fiction films which followed all through the 1950s. The deliberate pacing and thoughtful presentation of the material must have seemed like pure torture to younger audiences (who might have stumbled across this film on TV) seeking the type of delirious sensations created by later films like THEM!, EARTH VS. THE FLYING SAUCERS, INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS, THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN and countless others.
In its own peculiar way, THE MAN FROM PLANET X is a remarkably subtle film with a decidedly artistic look. A muddy, inferior print will take you right out of it and reduce the experience to one of boredom and tedium; MGM released an attractive DVD some years back and it's well worth checking out. Like any difficult work of art, it is to be savored under the best possible conditions.
MAN FROM PLANET X is definitely an acquired taste. I didn't care much for it the first couple of times I saw it. Eventually I developed a fondness for it, possibly borne out of a growing appreciation for many of Ulmer's other films (DETOUR, STRANGE ILLUSION, BLUEBEARD, etc). The mannered dialogue, the beautifully shot scenes along the misty moors--all contribute to a thoroughly unusual viewing experience. It's important to keep in mind that Ulmer's films exist in a galaxy all their own; they simply do not resemble anyone else's.
As a result, I think many people come away from this film a little disappointed because it really doesn't have much in common with the spate of low budget science fiction films which followed all through the 1950s. The deliberate pacing and thoughtful presentation of the material must have seemed like pure torture to younger audiences (who might have stumbled across this film on TV) seeking the type of delirious sensations created by later films like THEM!, EARTH VS. THE FLYING SAUCERS, INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS, THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN and countless others.
In its own peculiar way, THE MAN FROM PLANET X is a remarkably subtle film with a decidedly artistic look. A muddy, inferior print will take you right out of it and reduce the experience to one of boredom and tedium; MGM released an attractive DVD some years back and it's well worth checking out. Like any difficult work of art, it is to be savored under the best possible conditions.