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Le Diable au Convent (1899) - George Melies

Le Diable au Convent is longer than the two previous Georges Méliès ventures into short form horror. This particular French short shows the Devil himself running a convent and terrorizing the poor old nuns that live there. However he is finally vanquished by the good of Faith.

This is yet another Méliès classic, showcasing the art work that really goes into his short film-making. This is one of the earliest examples of a horror movie that could rely on its elaborate set design and artistic design. Everything in this film, although horribly aged, has been packaged extremely well. If you are a fan of production and set design then I would highly recommend just about anything that Melies has his name on.

Though nothing that is considered too extreme actually happens, Satan does have his way with a convent. The satanic imagery itself must have kept this film on the traveling carnival circuit. It certainly wouldn’t fit into the good moral bag that society shoved itself into back in those days. That would be the only vice the entire movie has.

Amazing art and suggestive content have me wanting more from Georges Méliès. Three shorts in and he hasn’t lost me. Lets see how he does after the turn of the century. Films are just going to get longer and better.

Put your faith in Moi.

S!D
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Comments

initialAC said…
amazing. I never saw this Melies film. I love his Artistry. He never bores me and keeps me locked in the tale he produced. Thanks for sharing this fine film.
October 24, 2012 at 4:38 AM
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