Customer Reviews

X - The Man With The X-Ray Eyes

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4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(8)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

In X - The Man with the X-Ray Eyes (1963) Dr. James Xavier, played by Ray Milland, desires the ability to `access the entire wavelength spectrum' so that he may see what no one else can...what male hasn't had that dream? Seriously, if you ever read a comic book, there was always an advertisement, usually between ads for Wildroot hair tonic, how to become a muscle man, or an offer for real Texas rattlesnake eggs, that touted `X-Ray Glasses' featuring a crudely drawn illustration of a guy wearing said glasses and not only having the ability to see the bones in his hand, but also being able to see through a woman's clothes...and I bet a great deal of them were sold, not because they actually worked (most of us, on some level, knew they wouldn't), but on the very slight possibility that they might. Produced and directed by Roger Corman (Pit and the Pendulum, The Masque of the Red Death), the film stars Oscar winner Ray Milland (The Lost Weekend, The Big Clock). Also appearing is Diana Van der Vlis (The Girl in Black Stockings), Harold Stone (Spartacus), John Hoyt (Attack of the Puppet People), and Don `Mr. Warmth' Rickles (Beach Blanket Bingo, Kelly's Heroes).

As I already mentioned, Milland plays Dr. James Xavier, a man with an obsession. You see, as humans, we only see about ten percent of what's actually out there, and he wants more (greedy bastich). During his research he develops the X formula, which in experiments allows a monkey to see through cardboard, but has a curious side effect of death...Xavier chalks this up to the monkeys minuscule brain not being able to comprehend what it sees, thus shutting down and causing the demise, but humans are smarter than monkeys, so shouldn't have the same problem, right? Right...so Xavier begins experiments on himself, and finds success, but not without a price. After the accidental death of a colleague (or murder, however you want to look at it), Xavier is forced to take a hasty leave, joining a carnival, calling himself Mentallo, using his newfound ability to scrounge a few bucks by impressing the rubes, and donning sunglasses much like those Terminator glasses your grandmother wears. This leads to his involvement with a rather odious carnie and small time hustler named Crane (Rickles), who convinces Xavier to open an inner city clinic and earn even bigger bucks by `healing' the poor. Things start out relatively well, but that changes as this new venture eventually falls apart, so what's next? Well, if you have X-ray vision and need a lot of dough, where would you go? Las Vegas? Sounds like a plan, but initial success is yet again tainted by dismal failure, and soon Xavier is on the run again...oh yeah, did I mention the effects of his continual use of the X formula results in cumulative effects?

In case you're wondering if there are any scenes where Xavier sees through women's clothes, yes there is, as at one point he is talked into going to a swinging party, featuring all kinds of comely, young females. Do we get to see what he sees? Kind of, as we see a bunch of naked backs and legs, but that's about it...it was oddly creepy as Milland presents such a intense and focused character throughout the story, but for a few moments we see a lascivious side that's counteracts the serious nature of the film and his character...speaking of oddly creepy, check out a mature Milland (he was in his mid 50's at the time) frugging it up at the party...it's a brief scene, but one that will be stuck in my minds eye for quite some time. Milland does quite a good job here (acting, not dancing), the scientist ultimately punished by his own arrogance, but one can't help feel an overall sense of sadness in that such an accomplished actor was now resigned to appearing in somewhat schlocky material as this...and it got progressively worse, with such features as Frogs (1972), The Thing with Two Heads (1972), and The Attic (1979) looming in his future. Oh well, work is work, I suppose...the rest of the cast is rather bland, except for Rickles, who gets in a few good zingers at some carnival patrons expense. While this is certainly an inexpensive feature, Corman generally always, in my opinion, seemed to be able to get the most for his money in terms of his films having better production values than expected. The direction is very good, as the pacing is quick (the running time is a minimal 79 minutes). Probably the most interesting aspect of the story is the notion that the main characters power of sight keeps developing (that whole cumulative effect I spoke of earlier). This presents the idea that eventually the characters ability will extend ad infinitum, allowing one to speculate that eventually he'll be able to see into the very core of the universe, and depending on your beliefs, possibly even the Creator himself. The special effects are not particularly spectacular, but they worked for me, and I'm sure at the time they probably appeared quite trippy and psychotropic (check out the opening scenes featuring bloody eyeballs). There are rumors that the ending provided here was actually shortened, that Milland's character had one more line, and the abrupt ending of the film seems to support this, but Corman has maintained this wasn't true. Regardless if this is true or not, it's still a memorable ending.

The wide screen anamorphic (1.85:1) presentation on this DVD from MGM looks very clean and sharp, and the Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono audio comes through clearly. There are a couple of special features including the original 5-minute theatrical prologue that provides the audience an introduction to the five senses (when they started talking about the sense of taste, watch for some kid massacring an ice cream cone), a running audio commentary track with Roger Corman, and an original theatrical trailer.

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One of the reasons that "X - The Man With the X-Ray Eyes" looks half-way decent in Ray Milland's film career is that when he started his spectacular drop from winning the Oscar for his performance in 1945's "The Lost Weekend" he was still almost a decade away from making "The Thing With Two Heads." I always figured this 1963 film from director Roger Corman was inspired by the infamous add for X-Ray specs that appeared inside the front cover of virtually every comic book produced when I was a kid. However, the screen play is credited to Robert Dillon ("Muscle Beach Party," "French Connection II") and Ray Russell ("Mr. Sardonicus"), based on a story by Russell. The plot is as simple as the ad: Dr. James Xavier (Milland), is a world famous scientist who is experimenting with human eyesight and develops a serum that will allow him to see fun things like ultraviolent rays and (gasp!) through objects. Of course, this is one of those things that seems like a good idea at the time...

The film is really much more of a science fiction film than it is the traditional sort of horror film you expect from Corman, who has a script that suits his ability to bring out the weirdness in situations. The film has remarkably little to do with voyeurism and actually more to do with the nature of reality. It is ultimately a psychological drama, because as Xavier sees human beings reduced to their skeletons, he becomes incapable of dealing with them on a personal level.

In terms of movies where the mad scientist goes off the deep end with a god complex, this one makes the main character the victim of his own experiments (contrast this with Claude Reins in "The Invisible Man"). After accidentally killing a colleague, Xavier hides out in a carnival sideshow where he works as a faith healer. Clearly his x-ray vision functions as a metaphor for the ability to have insight into the sad side of life, but, ironically, Xavier cannot see where his own life is heading. His "visions" become increasingly worse until a fateful meeting with an evangelist at a revival meeting in the desert.

Although not a traditional horror or monster movie, "X - The Man With the X-Ray Eyes" has a sense of bleakness that becomes rather overwhelming by the end. As always, Corman is working with a limited budget, and while this does not affect his direction, it does limit the film's effectiveness because the special effects (i.e., optical tricks) can barefly suggest the depths of Xavier's "visions." However, if you get into the spirit of things you can let your imagination carry the load. Considered by many to be Corman's masterpiece, it remains a most atypical Corman film, which makes a kind of sense. Certainly, this has the most unforgettable ending of a Corman film.

Ray Milland's movie career took an interesting turn in the early 1960's...he signed on to do three films for American International Pictures, an outfit far removed from the majors like Paramount and 20th Century Fox. At the time, AIP was well-known for cranking out black and white cheapie fliks for the teenage matinee crowd, stuff like "The Day the World Ended" and "The She Creature." By 1963, when "The Man With the X-Ray Eyes" was released, AIP was enlarging their budgets by adding color, better sets, and employing good writers (Richard Matheson, Charles Beaumont) and actors (Vincent Price, Hazel Court, Peter Lorre, Basil Rathbone, Karloff). Milland's involvement was one more step up the "prestige" ladder for AIP. Mr. Milland had won an Academy Award (Best Actor, "The Lost Weekend" 1945) and was a touch of Hollywood royalty that AIP would not let go unexploited. The first film he did under their banner was "The Premature Burial," directed by Roger Corman. Then came "Man With the X-Ray Eyes," an interesting and philosophical sci-fi thriller. It contains an excellent Milland performance as "Dr. Xavier," who concocts a serum that allows him to see through any object. Eventually, overuse of the drops results in the doctor being able to see into Infinity...and what he finds there is enough to drive anyone insane (or is it? Check out the film!). Production values are good, if a little "TV-like," and director Corman keeps things moving at a quick pace. Mention should be made of Don Rickles (?!) contribution as a sleazy carnival hustler--he's truly obnoxious and completely believable! Not to mention surprisingly skinny! I loved the film's ending, and I, too, heard the legend about the cut line. Corman, in a commentary, remarks on it, giving us the full scoop on whether the scene was ever filmed. Even without this coda, the conclusion is a shocker! I love all of MGM's Midnite Movies--the quality of their presentation is beyond criticism, as far as I'm concerned. Beautiful prints, rich, vibrant colors, with great extras! What more could you ask for, especially at such a bargain price! Snatch "The Man With the X-Ray Eyes," pronto! And I'm keeping my fingers crossed that "Premature Burial" and Milland's third AIP feature--"Panic in Year )"--will soon make it to DVD!

Even when told by a colleague that his vision is excellent, Dr. Xavier is not entirely satisfied: he wants to see what no other man has seen before. To do so and close in on the gods, he has created a substance enabling nothing short of x-ray vision; he takes one drop of it in each eye, even though a monkey he tried it on just died. Taking more of the substance, he soon begins to challenge his colleagues's medical decisions, and is forced to flee after accidentally killing one of them. In the film's first half, Dr. Xavier goes from man to semi-god to exploited freak; eventually posing as Mantallo, he becomes a `healer' who can't even heal himself. In the second half, his substance abuse gets worse: while trying to find a reversal, he uses more of it to better his chances of getting the money he needs. His voyage of self-discovery ends when he reaches a point of no return and recognizes it. This multi-layered film is rooted in a genre of fiction that we could call `the curse of the (wo)man-god', and which goes all the way back to the Greek concept of `hubris'; in such works, a human unsuccessfully tries to transcend his/her own nature through his/her specialised branch of knowledge. The most interesting of these inevitably carry theological and philosophical implications, and `X' is no exception. The way the movie highlights the different stages of the character's downfall is especially effective: everything from the music, the shapes, the colors, and the editing to Milland's acting denotes this degenerative process.

Corman hits the nail on the head with this classic Sci-Fantasy tale. Milland fills his role - as the doctor/scientist madly in search of the "truth" - perfectly. The visual effects are quite unique as well. Each addictive eye drop forces Milland's character to see deeper and farther - first underneath clothes, then through tissue into the recesses of the human body, then through slot machines and black-jack hands (permitting him to win big at the casino), THEN through buildings and skyscrapers - which become ghostly objects with underlying steel girders being the only discernible objects. Finally, circumstances force the out-of-control Milland to confront the endgame of his experiment and his unintended goal: to see the ultimate truth - the overwhelming, blazing face of God himself. His method of escaping the piercing light is obvious yet still provides a jarringly satisfying ending to this wonderfully direct and ironic film.

I feel that a 3-star rating for "X" says a lot, actually. Of all the titles on MGM's Midnite Movies roster, it certainly has the most entertaining and though-provoking story. Surely every person at one point has fantasized about being able to fly, being invisible, having x-ray vision, etc., but what would really happen if you were granted one of these powers? And are you certain you could control it? Here's your answer. Corman's direction is not too shabby - although some of the dialogue is extremely stilted, the cast gets through it with barely a scratch. I've seen Ray Milland in some real stinkers, but his acting skills have never been in question. While he plays a stuffy doctor very well, this film has some humorous moments where his expression or tone of voice speaks volumes... cocktail parties never looked so fun.

The special effects, for the year and the limited budget, are not that bad. They did an acceptable job of conveying what Dr. Xavier was seeing, and the physical transformation of his eyes in the last half of the film is well-done. It's a shame that the movie didn't go into more detail on the "object" (no spoilers here!) that he sees at the limits of his vision. That was a very interesting plot point and could have provided even more weirdness.

As a long-time fan of The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits, I certainly recommend this film. The only problem I have with it is the ending. I truly want to believe that the rumor regarding the deleted final line of dialogue is true. Even if it's not, I think Corman and MGM should have played along and tacked on a dub during the fade-out, especially for this DVD edition. The ending, as it is, is chilling but lacking, and it's too abrupt. Adding the infamous deleted line would add an entirely different scope to this film.

If you take X: THE MAN WITH X-RAY EYES literally, you probably won't like it. Scientific implausibility, a melodramatic plot, and histrionics from some minor players will turn off viewers who don't have the ability to see beyond the reflective surface of a movie script. However, if you're the kind of viewer who loves to ride through a film looking for hidden messages, director Roger Corman takes you on one hell of a trip.

Disguised as a low-budget sci-fi thriller about a medical doctor who discovers the secret to x-ray vision and consequently spirals into madness, X: THE MAN WITH X-RAY EYES is really a social allegory with two possible interpretations. First, it is a comment on how an ethically and morally unfettered quest for knowledge can lead to personal and professional damnation. And secondly, it is a warning about how irresponsible drug use--even in the quest for knowledge or self-enlightenment--is ultimately self-destructive. (In the commentary that is provided as one of the bonus features on the DVD version, Corman reveals that his original concept for this film did not revolve around a medical doctor involved in risky research, but instead centered on a jazz musician who develops x-ray vision via the use of illicit drugs.)

The acting in this film is quite adequate. Ray Milland turns in a very affecting performance as Dr. James Xavier, a medical researcher obsessed with learning how to chemically enhance the range of human vision (both optical vision and intellectual vision). At times his acting is reminiscent of Colin Clive's in 1931's FRANKENSTEIN--which is interesting since the main plot device in both movies is a medically and scientifically improbable procedure that ultimately becomes the springboard for social allegory--and he is able to evoke that same sort of pathos that makes the audience care about a character in spite of the character's culpability for his own fate. Diana Van der Vlis also does a nice job portraying Dr. Diane Fairfax, Xavier's associate and implied love interest, and caustic comedian Don Rickles gives an interesting, though at times histrionic, performance as a carnie. Some of the minor players aren't as strong, but in some ways this only adds to the sublime surrealism of the film.

The special effects are, as in many Corman productions from the 1960s, obviously low-budget, but they serve their purpose adequately enough. Besides, flashy FX would only be an upstaging nuisance anyway, as the real star of this show is the allegorical subtext. Roger Corman is a legendary director because he knows how to overcome obstacles such as a lack of funds and still shoot an engaging picture. And the master doesn't let down his league of horror fans, either, delivering an ending that is both gruesomely shocking and a bit gory. (In the DVD's bonus commentary, Corman calls the ending "low-budget Greek tragedy").

Admittedly, parts of X: THE MAN WITH X-RAY EYES are dated. But these are limited mainly to incidental details such as clothing and hairstyles. If you want to watch a riveting horror movie that has been artfully and lovingly crafted, you usually can't go wrong with one of the classic Roger Corman flicks. And this film is a case in point.

Long unavailable, X. . . is Corman at his non- Edgar Allan Poe best. Ray Milland is fascinating to watch as the obsessed (but not quite mad) scientist who is using himself as a guinea pig to test his new eyedrops which will allow him to see things no one else has ever been able to see before! Corman regulars, Johnathan Haze, and Dick Miller are here, along with veteran character actor John Hoyt and a good thespian turn by Don Rickles. If your a fan of Corman, mad scientist, or horror relying on suspense and character first, shock effects and gore second--this X is for you. The party scene where the prim and proper Milland suddenly can see under everyone's clothes is a campy delight that must be seen to be believed. And yes the ending was quite gruesome for it's day.

During the mid to late 60's, Roger Corman (master-of underbudget-schlock) produced a series of cheapo movies that are the envy of every modern day independant filmmaker. "X, The Man With the X-Ray Eyes," starring Ray Milland, is a case in point. In creating the fx for this film Corman used actual construction footage, then reversed the film to show the optical disintegration of newly constructed buildings. The deeper point of this film is the symbolic relationship between man and god, with frightening results.

Imagine a surgeon being able to remove a tumor without having to look at an xray. Dr Xavier (Ray Milland) develops eye drops which allow him to do this. Unfortunately, his good efforts are misunderstood. He tries his experiment on himself which leads to his downfall. He keeps using the eye drops which allow him to see deeper into something that "only God can see." It is unclear what it is only God can see but apparently it leads to madness. Dr Xavier's special ability helps him save a little girl's life, being exploited as a carnival freak, making a bundle at Las Vegas, and running from the law. Roger Corman directs this film at such a brisk pace that you don't notice the lapses of logic in the plot such as Dr Xavier being a fugitive from the while constantly drawing attention to his "x-ray vision". The cast is energetic and seems to be having a good time making this movie. There is a really cool retro look to the film. Made in 1963, the cast wears cool looking clothes; Diane van der Vlis as a pretty lady doctor sports a big blonde flip hairdo; and Dr Xavier has to wear some Blues Brothers style sunglasses. There is a great party scene with everyone doing the twist. This DVD is part of a new series called Midnight Marquee and it's a great deal. The picture is a beautiful widescreen presentation with excellent sound quality. Extras include commentary by Roger Corman. And it's priced right. Great buy. And very pleased with other Midnight Marquee picks. Can't wait to see what else they will be bringing out.