BaronBl00d

25 May 2012

Do You See What I See?

A very thoughtful, engrossing, flawed film from superhuman director/producerRoger Corman. Yep, it has some problems, most primarily dealing with alimited budget. But what it lacks in dollars it has in heart and itsability to make you think about what we are missing out seeing with ourvision. I am not sure that much, or even any, scientific creedence can begiven to the idea behind the experiments of Dr. Xavier James and his searchto see beyond what normal vision allows. Ray Milland gives a fineperformance as the obsessed man out to continue his experiments even if theyinvolve using himself as the human guinea pig. Some of the scenes anddialogue are a bit hokey by today's standards but most fit the film verynicely. The scene with Milland at a party is a real hoot and great comedicrelief. I also loved the end to the film but thought it could have beenplucked out a little longer. The effects are very sparse and the only onesI really thought were any good were the ones used to highlight Milland'seyes through the film. The film boasts a fine cast of stalwartsci-fi/Corman people such as Morris Ankrum, Dick Miller, Jonathan Haze, andBarboura Morris, as well as a young(and obviously talented) Don Rickles. Definitely try to see your way to seeing this film.

moonspinner55

24 May 2012

Opens with a shot of a bloody eyeball!

Doctor Ray Milland creates a serum that gives him X-ray vision.Low-rent thriller from producer-director Roger Corman features shiverymusic (courtesy Les Baxter), hysteria, and young party-goers dancingnaked (as seen through Milland's eyes...you mean he can see throughclothes but not through skin?). Film's biggest problem is that onceMilland has X-ray vision, nothing fascinating is done with hischaracter or with his discovery. As for the star-lead, he's sour andsurly throughout. Cinematographer Floyd Crosby is allowed to open thepicture with an outrageous shot, but visual interest wanes from there.*1/2 from ****

Diabolik7691

23 May 2012

Good little film

I first saw this film late one night on AMC and I got to tell you, it wascool! The beginning was a little slow, but once Milland was on the run,itgot cool. The coolest scene is the helicopter/car chase. And the endinginthe church was so weird!Sure the acting isn't great, and the budget might of been low, but Istilllike it. I can't understand why Milland did this movie. It's not his typeoffilm. Anyway, I highly recommend it sci-fic fans and anybody that wantstosee a movie that makes you think. 7/10. Check it out!

banse

22 May 2012

Interesting Horror Yarn

Director Roger Corman takes the helm in this surprisingly good horrorstory.Former matinee idol Ray Milland plays a scientist who developes a serumthatenables him to see through things. There are clever moments and some funalong the way before the harrowing finale. With Diana Van Der Vlis(whateverbecame of her?), Harold J. Stone, John Hoyt and funnyman DonRickles.

KFL

19 May 2012

Surprisingly intelligent

The basic premise of this sci-fi flick is not so very outlandish.Unfortunately in execution there are some inconsistencies...sensitivity toan enlarged wavelength range would not have enabled him to see one pieceofpaper beneath another, for example.Still, except for taking these kinds of liberties, this is a much moreintelligent movie than one might expect. The dialog is sharp enough too.Thespecial effects are...ummm...interesting , but Corman did agoodjob given his miniscule budget.7/10

19 May 2012

My dear friend, only the gods see everything.

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.Cookieman108

17 May 2012

Cool contact lenses!

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!

David Michael O'Rorey

16 May 2012

All Time Sci-Fi Classic One of Cormans best!

I saw this movie back in 2005 on Flix Movie Channel in Widescreen. Onlyrecently got the OOP MGM Midnite Movies DVD Release. Didn't bother toget that new Corman DVD Collection cause I have all the old MGM DVD'sof those films that were released as Double Features or by themselves.Anyway this movie was a Sci-Fi Classic & was great. It is aboutProfessor James Xaviver portrayed by Hollywood leading man Ray Millandone of my all time favorite actors. He isn't satisfied with his visionthe way it is he wants to see more as much as god can see. He is sortamad in a way but not like an evil mad scientist. Like Karloff in "TheMask Of Fu Manchu" (1932) or John Carradine in "Revenge Of The Zombies"(1943). Xavier first experiments with test animals such as a smallmonkey. He just wants more out of his vision so he comes up with thisliquid drop serum he drops in his eyes with an eye dropper. He wants toexperiment on himself but a Doctor & friend doesn't want him to. Hefinally convinces him to help him with his experiment. He drops it inhis eyes & starts to see beyond infinity. Then he thinks all his normalhe starts see through things. Ray Milland did an awesome job he was abrilliant actor one of my favorites. Don't wanna give away much more.Fans of the genre that have seen it probably really like it like me.Those that didn't need to see it. The audio commentary on the DVD isreally good with Roger Corman. Corman himself said Milland's 2 movieshe did he was truly proud of was this & The Lost Weekend '45 with BillyWilder. But Corman was surprised Milland said "X". Also when Cormangave Ray the script he was very enthusiastic. Great stuff Cormandiscusses on the audio commentary it was really good. Also the traileris great & an interesting Proluge. Interestingly Corman made up thecharacter of James Xavier which went on a few years later to be one ofthe main characters of the X-Men Comic Books. So the character haslived on. The cast also has great faces like Diane Van Der Vlis, JohnHoyt & Don Rickles. I have seen Hoyt & Rickles in countless other filmsI have. Diane I have not see in anything else she was good in the film& was really pretty. Movie is one of the best of the genre so I say an8 out of 10!

The_Void

16 May 2012

Well worked little B-movie thriller!

Roger Corman is often passed over as merely a B-movie director, butfilms like this one really show his brilliance. The Man with X-Ray Eyesis chilling, ingenious and highly original; and this becomes even moreimpressive when you consider that the film was shot on a shoestringbudget of just $300,000. Because of this, Corman doesn't go overboardwith the special effects, and as such; the film concentrates on theimplications of the lead character's predicament. This actually helpsthe film, as the idea behind what is happening is far more chillingthan how it has actually happened. The plot follows a doctor doingresearch into the eye. After discovering a new drug that can give itstaker X-ray vision, he decides to test it on himself due to lack offunds. Before long, he finds that he is able to see through people'sclothes (surely a useful ability), as well as walls and other surfaces.However, this new capability soon takes its toll on the good doctor, ashe loses the ability to shut out the light, and after a tragic event;he has to find a new way to make a living.Ray Milland, who worked with Corman previously on the Poe adaptation'Premature Burial', takes the lead and gives a great portrayal of thedoctor at the centre of the story. Milland is great at portraying astrain on a character, and that ability is put to best use in thisfilm. The story is frightening because, as is said at one moment in thefilm, we only get one pair of eyes and therefore that pair is precious.The idea of not being able to cut out the light is frightening also, aswhile many people would see X-ray vision as an asset, this film doeswell in disputing that. The way that Corman portrays the 'X-ray vision'makes best use of the budget available and actually works rather well,as we get treated to seeing the world through the eyes of the leadcharacter. The way that the story pans out isn't particularly original,but it works in that it's believable and provides a good backdrop forthe major focus of the film. Overall, The Man with X-Ray Vision isproof that a film can work in spite of a limited budget, and whileCorman may not be the best director of all time; he certainly knows howto make B-movies!

15 May 2012

Ahead of its time

This is what storytelling is about - and it proves the possibilities of the SF genre: While mainstream dramas often sacrifice their subject to public taste by softening it or going for laughs, the genre film has the chance to explore subjects in all their consequence behind the facade of phantastic gadgets. "The Man with the X-Ray Eyes" is the perfect proof of J.G. Ballards thesis that science fiction is THE fiction genre of the 20th century. Ray Milland alias X is the true visionary, may he be scientist, artist or philosopher, who sees his talent either misinterpreted or exploited (or both). The film's essential line is X's statement that he is no prophet, that he can only look and tell what he sees. Which makes him the perfect outsider of course (people want RELIEF) , if he is not able to hide or catalyze his ability. And his inner driving force will never stop - possibly resulting in introversion, megalomania, madness, selfdestruction or ...? "The Man with the X-Ray Eyes" has no hope to offer - knowing is suffering, as the Greeks would have put it.Sure, some of the effects are phoney, and a few scenes (like the overlong title sequence) don't work - but these are 5 minutes out of 80. This is thought-provoking stuff, one of the primemovers of "serious" SF - see it!(Great DVD transfer, too.)

xraytang

12 May 2012

Its one of the truly important message films yet made.

I rank "X-Ray" as one of the truly meaningful movies yet made. The issueaddressed is fundamental: What does having very great or seemingly limitlesspower mean for the possessor? Just last night on a "chat" we brought up theold question: "Can God make a rock that he cannot lift?" We must recognizethat God (with great power) must have a psychological make-up that is shapedby His great powers, upon critical examination of His writings, we see avery sick being. For example, His claim to be "omnipotent", who claimsthis?! Naturally it is absurd, yet... we are in His kingdom, so how can areasoning human accomodate His violent, cruel, capricious whims and sick"Love" and/or come to terms with Him?Also, the question of having great powers is important to 21st Centurymankind (especially "Western Man") because technology since 1945 hasobviously given us incredible powers. Plainly, at least some humans (if notall in some way) will wield even greater wonders and forces much greaterthan either Pres. Truman or Xavier. I eagerly await the "2000" version, Ihope it will dig even deeper into the philosophical questions posed by theoriginal.Oh, yes, what it could mean to a being to "see" the ultimate Truth aboutexistence, Nietzche has much to say about that.

funkyfry

11 May 2012

Classic sci-fi shocker has Rickles in one of his best roles

This is one of my favorite Roger Corman flicks. Brisk pace and manysurprises. Don Rickles as a ruthless carny exploiteer is one of them. Milland wears more and more ridiculous sunglasses as the movie progresses. Seriously, this is one of Don Rickles' best performances -- it shows that hecould have gone in a totally different direction than he followed for mostof his career (as an "insult comedian") if he had wanted to. I imagine thathis appearance in the film had something to do with his contract with AIP,but I still think it's a bit of VERY inspired casting (regardless of thefinancial reasons that may have been behind it). Milland is also excellent in the type of role that suits him to a T... hegets to be kind of a Dr. Frankenstein here, convinced he's doing good forhumanity but making himself into a monster in the process.A memorable story with a meaning.

10 May 2012

Robert Taubman

This is one heck of a sci fi chestnut! As many times as I have seen/viewed this movie; still enjoy it the same! But now that Ihave my own DVD of "The Man with the XRAY EYES" and have added itto my "Sci-Fi" storeage shelf for easy access, look forward to thoserainy days, "In August"........

10 May 2012

Good Badness 10 Cool original Corman quickie from the 60s

This really is a fine little sci-fi/horror/drama hybrid that can hold acandle to Roger Corman's best work from the 60's. It's also an originalspin on the "mad scientist" theme, as here Dr. James Xavier (played byRay Milland, in good shape this time) really uses his invention (thatof X-ray vision) to help fellow citizens in urgent need of medicalassistance. Unfortunately, his abilities are falsely interpreted by thegeneral public as those of a healer with miraculous powers. Under thispressure and slowly developing an addiction to his own product, thingsare bound to go the wrong way for Dr. Xavier.The combination of thrills, shocks & human drama works nicely, andCorman managed to wrap up a tight film with a memorable ending (thefinal shot of the film will stick with you). Great performances fromthe whole cast, and it was fun to spot Dick Miller (a Roger Cormanregular) and Don Rickles in supporting roles.Good Badness? Hell no, this film is far too good to qualify. 7/10 and7/10

07 May 2012

Strange View

Produced and directed by Roger Corman, it is still a shame to see a fine actor like Ray Milland wind down a career with a film like this. He deserved much better rolls for an actor of his stature and accomplishments. Ray Milland was originally from Neath, Glamorganshire, Wales. In 1945 Milland proved his serious dramatic abilities with a convincing and Oscar-winning role as an alcoholic writer in Billy Wilder's THE LOST WEEKEND. THE MAN WITH X-RAY EYES is a product of its time and a classic of the genre. Still, I find myself in a disparaging mood speaking from outside the genre. For an actor of Milland's stature it is hurtful to see some of the repugnancies this script puts him through. Without any pretensions this is as low as some low-budget science-fiction thrillers come. Maybe that's what makes these kinds of films so appealing. However, it does introduce some innovative ideas and does not spare us from a lesson in morality on man's scientific curiosity gone awry.

06 May 2012

My candidate for a remake

Ray Milland stars as Doctor Xavier, a dedicated scientist searching for a better x-ray. He finds it, but he also finds that light isn't all it's cracked up to be.A terrific story with a shocker ending, this is one of those films that cries out for a remake...today's special effects would send this one over the top!

ksneath

03 May 2012

Unscary, senseless, pointless, low-budget horror

I had hopes for a decent outing with this film, but I must confess itwas pretty disappointing. The basic idea of the film is that a surgeonhas somehow concocted an eye drop formula that enables your eyes to seethrough things -- ya' know, like x-rays (how a regular doc was engagedin such successful scientific experimentation is a complete mystery).That's pretty much it for plot. Oh yeah, there's some campy stuff wheregood ol' doc realizes he sees everyone naked, etc. etc... prettyroutine sixties stuff there. The film really flounders because of thestupidity of the writing. Our good doc (Ray Milland) stubbornly refusesto test his concoction on anyone but himself because, evidently, JoeBlow wouldn't be able to describe X-ray vision to him (I guess the ol'"Hey -- everybody's naked!!" wouldn't be of much use)??? The doc isevidently pretty stupid, or else these eye drops act like a narcotic,because he keeps on and keeps on taking the stuff even after he sayshe'd just like to be able to open his eyes again and he's going nutsbecause everything is so bright, weird, etc. And then there's the oddtransition from the point where he has to take drops because "it'swearing off" (even though he kept saying the effect was "cumulative"),and then next thing you know he's seeing to the middle of the universeor something.The ending also was pretty weird, completely unrealistic and done forcheap shock value. Even with all that, this low-budget might haveworked as a morality play or something of the like, but that avenueisn't even on the map, much less explored. The whole thing wasmarginally watchable once, but I definitely wouldn't want to sufferthrough it again. I'd like to give it a little higher rating, butthere's really not a reason I can think to do so.

Brian W. Fairbanks

02 May 2012

A paycheck for Milland

I first saw "X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes" as a mere child. I even owneda comic book of the story. Rewatching it on video all these years later, Irealize the comic was better. It's not a terrible film, but its poorspecial-effects and lack of drama indicates that director Roger Corman andAmerican International Pictures were better suited to period horror filmsthan contemporary science-fiction. Ray Milland's performance, described inthe trailer that precedes the film on video as his best since "The LostWeekend" is less tongue-in-cheek than hand-in-wallet. Milland often seemedcontemptuous in his later roles, and considering the quality of "Frogs" and"The Thing with Two Heads," who can blame him? "This is a pile of s**t,"his eyes seem to be saying, "and I'm only doing it for the money." (Whatother motive could he have had for appearing, alongside Rosie Grier, as oneof those two heads in the latter film?) In the case of "X: The Man withthe X-Ray Eyes," his judgment was unduly harsh. It's an interesting B flickthat could have been much better with a bigger budget and more forcefuldirection (Corman seems to have been asleep at the wheel for this one). Itcries out for a remake.

29 April 2012

One of the Great B Movies

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.

Coventry

28 April 2012

Where would YOU be looking at? Honestly?

The slightly obsessive Dr. James Xavier – shamefully underratedhorror/cult actor Ray Milland – is convinced that we're only usingabout 10% of our eyes' capacities and develops a serum to make oureyesight more optimal. He tries the eye drops on himself as a guineapig, even though a lab monkey spontaneously dropped dead after beingthe first subject of experiment. The invention really works, though,and Dr. Xavier develops the talent to see through any type ofsubstance, whether it's textile, paper, aluminum or even human flesh!Instead of abusing this fantastic power to go and stand outside offemale gathering places, like every normal man would if they suddenlyobtained this power (admit it, people!), Dr. Xavier actually has nobleintentions with his scientific breakthrough, like human X-ray scans tomake more accurate medical diagnoses. He does discover the moreperverted advantage of his invention later, though, but he decentlyonly stares at people's legs and backs. As to be expected with madobsessive scientists, the good doctor slightly exaggerates with theeye-drops and bonkers. He involuntarily kills a fellow doctor, joins atraveling circus, gradually becomes oversensitive to natural light andslowly runs out of sunglasses that are strong enough to safeguard himfrom pain. "X" is a modest but highly compelling little early 60's chiller with avery original plot outline, a fair amount of suspense, unsettlingatmosphere and enough ingenious plot twists to maintain your interestthroughout. This is another one of Roger Corman's great movies in whichhe proves that large budgets and advanced sophisticated special effectswill always remain secondary to good plotting and a few simple buthighly efficient little gimmicks here and there. I'll never understandthat his one and the same man is responsible for such great andimaginative films like "X" and "The Pit and the Pendulum" as well asfor stupid inept twaddle like "Gas-s-s-s" and "The Trip". Ray Millandalso contributes a great deal to this film's massive impact with hisstellar performance. Roger Corman's interaction and understanding withMilland must be similar to that of Vincent Price, as they previouslymade the equally terrific "Premature Burial" together. "X" is highlyrecommended thriller, with a handful of sequences that actually qualifyas spooky (the sight of Milland with black eyes and golden pupils) anda very exciting climax sequence.