X -- the Man with the X-Ray Eyes (Widescreen)

 

 

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"X" - THE MAN WITH THE X-RAY EYES is one of the better movies produced by Roger Corman. The DVD gives the option for his commentary and I was intrigued by his remark from the late Ray Milland, that the two movies of which he was most proud, were LOST WEEKEND (for which he won an Academy Award) and this movie, "X". The other reviews give a pretty good synopsis: Milland plays a doctor who uses experimental drops on his own eyes to give him x-ray vision. Either because of obsession or addiction, he keeps taking the drug and when opposed by a colleague, he accidentally kills him. He becomes a fugitive from the law and one could also argue, from himself. He is warned early on that the drops might also affect the brain. This might explain why he goes into quick rages and makes impulsive decisions. Of course, a doctor experimenting on himself is not too swift either, as Dr. Jekyll could say about his Mr. Hyde.

A warning about scientific hubris is given at the very beginning of the film. Is he challenging the gods? At the film's closure he sees through to the light beyond the vast darkness of space. He sees a cosmic eye that sees all and knows all. This element might be lost on the casual viewer. This distant eye sees Dr. Xavier (Milland) and knows he is watching back. This proves too much for Dr. Xavier. While we might know God by faith, represented by the people in the last scene's revival tent, the Old Testament tells us that no one can see the face of God and live. The temptation from the serpent in the garden is realized, "you will become as gods." It was a lie in the beginning and it is still a lie. We are convicted as weak and sinful men and women.

Dr. Xavier says that he has not come to be saved, but to tell what he sees. He becomes a prophet, so to speak. His vision is condemned as from the devil. It may be the truth, but maybe there are some things we are not meant to know?

Can science go too far? Or, is the problem not science, but a lack of caution and discipline? Can faith and science compliment each other? This is only a movie, but it makes us think about many questions.

>No nudity although bare shoulders and legs demonstrate the ability to see through clothes.

>Plot violence includes a man falling out a window and a car crash.

>Little gore although at the very end he does something to his eyes reminescent of Oedipus. Enough said!

Roger Corman struck gold with this film. Ray Milland plays a dr. who develops special drops which allow him to see the ultra-long spectrum, i.e. x-rays. Using this power, he is able to save a little girl's life, only to be condemned for bucking established procedure.
Needing more money to continue his experiments, he runs the table at Vegas, only to run afoul of the mob. Fleeing from them, he runs afoul of the law.
It's a commentary on how research, for whatever supposed good, must be guided by ethics and morality. Since machines were capable of providing the same info, Milland's desire is pure egotistical, to do something no one else can.
He gives a stellar performance, with good supporting roles. Corman once again demonstrates his social satire skills on a low budget.

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!

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4.0 out of 5 stars 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. Read more

Published on Nov 29 2001 by Jan Strnad

3.0 out of 5 stars 3 stars ain't bad for a B-movie
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... Read more

Published on Oct 16 2001 by Babytoxie

4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining 1960s-era Allegory a la Roger Corman
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... Read more

Published on Oct 10 2001 by Michael R Gates

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice mix of horror and humor
An engaging little thriller, but slightly marred by the abruptness of its "shock" ending. Excellent image, however, and a fair amount of extras for a discount DVD.

Published on Sep 4 2001 by Joseph P. Menta, Jr.

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible View from Corman
This is a classic film across the board produced and directed by Roger Corman. Corman brilliantly brings a lot of that 50's cold war paranoia that found its way to the screen and... Read more

Published on Sep 3 2001 by hille2000

4.0 out of 5 stars 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... Read more

Published on Aug 31 2001 by RK, Germany

3.0 out of 5 stars 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. Read more

Published on Jun 11 2001 by gobirds2

3.0 out of 5 stars Ray Milland gives energetic performance.
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. Read more

Published on Jun 10 2001 by Wil-n-Tally

4.0 out of 5 stars Brought to you be the director of Giant Crab Monsters.
Yep the same director (Roger Corman) that brought you [Attack of the Giant Crab Monsters (1957) ASIN: 6304963084] now brings you to new depths of depravity. Read more

Published on May 29 2001 by bernie

3.0 out of 5 stars x-ray vision
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. Read more

Published on April 17 2001 by astik2tehdic

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