109 reviews
Classic sci-fi shocker has Rickles in one of his best roles
This is one of my favorite Roger Corman flicks. Brisk pace and many surprises. 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 he could have gone in a totally different direction than he followed for most of his career (as an "insult comedian") if he had wanted to. I imagine that his 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 the financial reasons that may have been behind it).
Milland is also excellent in the type of role that suits him to a T... he gets to be kind of a Dr. Frankenstein here, convinced he's doing good for humanity but making himself into a monster in the process.
A memorable story with a meaning.
Seriously, this is one of Don Rickles' best performances -- it shows that he could have gone in a totally different direction than he followed for most of his career (as an "insult comedian") if he had wanted to. I imagine that his 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 the financial reasons that may have been behind it).
Milland is also excellent in the type of role that suits him to a T... he gets to be kind of a Dr. Frankenstein here, convinced he's doing good for humanity but making himself into a monster in the process.
A memorable story with a meaning.
Rather like The Invisible Man...
... in that a doctor makes a great discovery -in this case a formula that allows people to "see through" objects, starts out trying to do good, becomes his own guinea pig, becomes obsessed, becomes bitter because others do not see the importance of his discovery, and in the end just makes a bunch of stupid decisions. Oh, and the formula is cumulative and yet the doctor keeps taking it!
This film would be completely unmemorable without Ray Milland as the title character - Dr. Xavier. Like with his other horror films, independent producer/director Roger Corman smartly uses a lead from the golden age of Hollywood - in this case Milland - and builds a simple story that still strikes at the essence of fear in human beings.
There are a quite a few goofy and outright dumb things going on.When Xavier goes on the run because of a tragic accident, he ... decides to work as a "seer" in a carnival?? Isn't that one of the first places the police might come looking for him? In his quest for money to look for a "cure" for his situation, he decides to go to Vegas. And win a bunch of money in just one casino. And get a loud and obnoxious attitude about it. Maybe the most tragic thing about Xavier's situation is that he is inflicted with the company of Don Rickles during the mid part of the film.
The one fun and light hearted moment of the film is when Xavier is invited to a swinging 60s party and because of his unique condition sees naked people everywhere. Roger Corman will need to wait a few more years into the 60s before he can feature actual naked people. But I digress.
The special effects are laughable in the 21st century, but Milland's distinguished and empathetic presence makes this work. And it goes after the question - If you can see through EVERYTHING, what exactly DO you see?
This film would be completely unmemorable without Ray Milland as the title character - Dr. Xavier. Like with his other horror films, independent producer/director Roger Corman smartly uses a lead from the golden age of Hollywood - in this case Milland - and builds a simple story that still strikes at the essence of fear in human beings.
There are a quite a few goofy and outright dumb things going on.When Xavier goes on the run because of a tragic accident, he ... decides to work as a "seer" in a carnival?? Isn't that one of the first places the police might come looking for him? In his quest for money to look for a "cure" for his situation, he decides to go to Vegas. And win a bunch of money in just one casino. And get a loud and obnoxious attitude about it. Maybe the most tragic thing about Xavier's situation is that he is inflicted with the company of Don Rickles during the mid part of the film.
The one fun and light hearted moment of the film is when Xavier is invited to a swinging 60s party and because of his unique condition sees naked people everywhere. Roger Corman will need to wait a few more years into the 60s before he can feature actual naked people. But I digress.
The special effects are laughable in the 21st century, but Milland's distinguished and empathetic presence makes this work. And it goes after the question - If you can see through EVERYTHING, what exactly DO you see?
This movie still entrances 40+ years later
I just (finally) saw this film a few days ago, after years of hearing about it. The screening was the final show of a three-day SF/horror film festival. After three days of films, most people were feeling a bit loopy and ready for some light entertainment. As X opened, quite a few members of the audience started treating it as an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000, shouting out their own (generally lame) joke comments in response to the film. I was annoyed, because I'd been looking forward to this film all weekend (although, in their defense, certain lines have become unintentionally loaded in the comparatively sexually liberated 21st century).
What I found fascinating was that, by 15 minutes into the movie, all the commentary stopped. Once the film moved beyond the talky opening scenes and stilted dialog, once the story really got going, everyone was drawn into it. They actually paid attention to the movie instead of each other.
As SF cinema goes, this is definitely one of the more entertaining, thoughtful, and intelligent examples (and intelligent SF film is a dying genre). This one goes well beyond the standard mad scientist formula.
What I found fascinating was that, by 15 minutes into the movie, all the commentary stopped. Once the film moved beyond the talky opening scenes and stilted dialog, once the story really got going, everyone was drawn into it. They actually paid attention to the movie instead of each other.
As SF cinema goes, this is definitely one of the more entertaining, thoughtful, and intelligent examples (and intelligent SF film is a dying genre). This one goes well beyond the standard mad scientist formula.
I remain enthusiastic even 40 years later...
To this writer, the film is Roger Corman's best entry into sci-fi. Many of his 50s efforts hold a certain campy charm, with their low-budget effects - and this film is similar in that regard. It does not dwell on the effects, in fact some of them are rather poor. What it does have in its favor is a tight screenplay that gets into the story quickly, as will the viewer - and it's engrossing enough and the characters interesting enough that one stays involved through the episodic story.
What it has most in its favor is an excellent performance from Ray Milland, then in his last days being top-billed, and he milks it for all that it's worth. In some scenes Corman goes for a direct close-up and Milland's facial reactions indicate that he took the the role in a small-budget/tight schedule film with all the enthusiasm that he did in one of his roles for Alfred Hitchcock ("Dial M For Murder") or Fritz Lang ("Ministry of Fear"). Smooth, refined, but a man of immediate action if necessary, Milland's Dr. Xavier is not your usual mad scientist. As with Claude Rains in "The Invisible Man" or Al Hedison in "The Fly" he's the scientist who made the mistake of being his own subject.
Occasionally Corman goes for the cheap gag (the party sequence, where Xavier examines the guests sans attire - but inoffensive in a typical 60s approach), but the carnival scenes and the basement healer scenes show a maturity to Corman's direction, and these scenes are greatly helped by the performance of Don Rickles. He's as sleazy as one can get and admits that if he had the power, he would use it to see "all the undressed women my poor eyes can stand" and you believe it. A scene where Milland confronts other carnival workers who are speculating on his "power" shows the doctor to be both introspective and world weary at the same time. At this point even he does not know what to do with his ability, but Rickles' suggestion of setting up a site to "heal" others leads to the film's most revealing and almost poetic sequence. Xavier's original intention was to help the ill, but his implication in an accidental murder led him to seek refuge in the carnival Richard Kimble-style.
Diana Van Der Vlis does well with her underwritten role in which at one point she's rather quickly dropped, and then resurfaces rather conveniently later in the story - to no great effect. This was only her second feature film, though she had done a number of TV guest shots. Although half Milland's age, she seems more mature than her 28 years and they make a believable pair. A bonus is the appearance of a number of veterans in brief roles - John Hoyt, Harold J. Stone, John Dierkes and Morris Ankrum, as well as Corman stalwart Dick Miller. Miller shares his scenes with Jonathan Haze, whom it appears was getting the cheapest rate Corman could pay as he has no lines at all. He was rather bitter about this as he revealed in an interview years later.
Floyd Crosby's cinematography belies the small budget - only $300,000 and a shooting schedule of about three weeks. According to Corman they did rehearse a bit more than usual - and in the finished product it shows. He claims he even went as high as four takes, which may not exactly put him in William Wyler or Stanley Kubrick territory, but it's a far cry from what he'd do in the 50s. Les Baxter contributes what may be my favorite of his scores, fully complimentary to the action on screen without overwhelming it.
There's a bit of controversy over the ending - some attribute an extra line of dialog that never appeared in any print that I've seen, but it is still one of the most surprising endings of any sci-fi film since "The Incredible Shrinking Man." That it won the top prize at the Trieste Science Fiction Film Festival would be enough for one to be curious enough to see it even this many years later - that it has held up so well over 40 years points to that award's validity.
What it has most in its favor is an excellent performance from Ray Milland, then in his last days being top-billed, and he milks it for all that it's worth. In some scenes Corman goes for a direct close-up and Milland's facial reactions indicate that he took the the role in a small-budget/tight schedule film with all the enthusiasm that he did in one of his roles for Alfred Hitchcock ("Dial M For Murder") or Fritz Lang ("Ministry of Fear"). Smooth, refined, but a man of immediate action if necessary, Milland's Dr. Xavier is not your usual mad scientist. As with Claude Rains in "The Invisible Man" or Al Hedison in "The Fly" he's the scientist who made the mistake of being his own subject.
Occasionally Corman goes for the cheap gag (the party sequence, where Xavier examines the guests sans attire - but inoffensive in a typical 60s approach), but the carnival scenes and the basement healer scenes show a maturity to Corman's direction, and these scenes are greatly helped by the performance of Don Rickles. He's as sleazy as one can get and admits that if he had the power, he would use it to see "all the undressed women my poor eyes can stand" and you believe it. A scene where Milland confronts other carnival workers who are speculating on his "power" shows the doctor to be both introspective and world weary at the same time. At this point even he does not know what to do with his ability, but Rickles' suggestion of setting up a site to "heal" others leads to the film's most revealing and almost poetic sequence. Xavier's original intention was to help the ill, but his implication in an accidental murder led him to seek refuge in the carnival Richard Kimble-style.
Diana Van Der Vlis does well with her underwritten role in which at one point she's rather quickly dropped, and then resurfaces rather conveniently later in the story - to no great effect. This was only her second feature film, though she had done a number of TV guest shots. Although half Milland's age, she seems more mature than her 28 years and they make a believable pair. A bonus is the appearance of a number of veterans in brief roles - John Hoyt, Harold J. Stone, John Dierkes and Morris Ankrum, as well as Corman stalwart Dick Miller. Miller shares his scenes with Jonathan Haze, whom it appears was getting the cheapest rate Corman could pay as he has no lines at all. He was rather bitter about this as he revealed in an interview years later.
Floyd Crosby's cinematography belies the small budget - only $300,000 and a shooting schedule of about three weeks. According to Corman they did rehearse a bit more than usual - and in the finished product it shows. He claims he even went as high as four takes, which may not exactly put him in William Wyler or Stanley Kubrick territory, but it's a far cry from what he'd do in the 50s. Les Baxter contributes what may be my favorite of his scores, fully complimentary to the action on screen without overwhelming it.
There's a bit of controversy over the ending - some attribute an extra line of dialog that never appeared in any print that I've seen, but it is still one of the most surprising endings of any sci-fi film since "The Incredible Shrinking Man." That it won the top prize at the Trieste Science Fiction Film Festival would be enough for one to be curious enough to see it even this many years later - that it has held up so well over 40 years points to that award's validity.
Still Odd To See Someone Like Milland In This!
This was the typically-hokey-but fun Roger Corman film but one that keeps your interest most the way and at least stars a famous classic-era actor: Ray Milland. One actually wonders what an actor of Milland's status would doing in a B Grade B-type sci-fi movie like this. For someone who had admired Milland's work for many years, it just seems odd for me to see him in a small-budget film. Maybe things got tough for him near the end of his career and he would take most any role. I don't know, and I'm not judging.....just curious why he took this role. I do know having him in the movie elevates it and the dialog isn't as cheesy as one would expect in a 1950-ish sci-fi horror story made in the '60s.
Comedian Don Rickles playing a greedy criminal guy was another odd cast selection, but, he, too, was fun to watch.
Corman was smart to keep this at a respectable 79 minutes. Had it gone on longer, it would have started to drag. It would be interesting to see this film done with today's special-effects.
Comedian Don Rickles playing a greedy criminal guy was another odd cast selection, but, he, too, was fun to watch.
Corman was smart to keep this at a respectable 79 minutes. Had it gone on longer, it would have started to drag. It would be interesting to see this film done with today's special-effects.
- ccthemovieman-1
- Sep 20, 2006
- Permalink
Classic Roger Corman picture with disturbing images and slick direction
Dr Xavier (Ray Milland) thirst of knowledge experiments with a formula on his owns eyes which will allow to see through solid material. As he can read a closed book , making diagnosis ills , and seeing naked people. He can literally observe through things , watching beyond of visible lights and turning into a rarefied figure as mad doctor. Then the staff intends to cut off his funds for further research . But an accident takes place , dieing a medic (Harlod J Stone), as he flees and the newspapers publicize , as the Angeles Daily Sun : ¨Doctor falls to death¨, ¨Physician murdered¨ and the Angeles Chronicle : ¨Doctor killer flees¨. Later on , Xavier wearing dark glasses works at a sideshow (ruled by Don Rickles) as fortune teller and finally as psychic consultant. Such increased powers of perception and knowledge bring him neither happiness nor strengthening but transform him an outcast, unsettling person.
A stylish and first-rate film , confidently realized and plenty of eye-popping moments referred to the visions. The basic opposition between blindness and vision is a central key of this interesting work. Good performances from Ray Milland as doctor who gains power to see beyond, Harold J Stone as unfortunate medic who accidentally falls and Don Rickles as ambitious manager . Appears uncredited notorious secondary cast as Morris Ankrum, John Hoyt, and John Dierkes as preacher. Furthermore unbilled actors of the Corman factory as Dick Miller and Jonathan Haze. It packs not withstanding and weak special effects made by date means. Rare musical score by Lex Baxter and colorful cinematography by Floyd Crosby, booth of whom are habitual of Roger Corman.
After his period realizing poverty-budget horror movies as ¨Swamp woman, The beast with a million of eyes, Attack of the crab monsters , Undead¨, then came the cycle of tales of terror based on Poe as ¨ House of Usher, Pit and pendulum, The raven , Tales of terror, The masque of the red death ¨ , and Corman made this undisputed masterpiece , X , that won the Golden Asteroid in the Trieste Festival of Science Fiction Films in 1963. Rating : Above average, definitively wholesome watching , Corman's achievement to have bent the Sci-Fi genre with splendid results.
A stylish and first-rate film , confidently realized and plenty of eye-popping moments referred to the visions. The basic opposition between blindness and vision is a central key of this interesting work. Good performances from Ray Milland as doctor who gains power to see beyond, Harold J Stone as unfortunate medic who accidentally falls and Don Rickles as ambitious manager . Appears uncredited notorious secondary cast as Morris Ankrum, John Hoyt, and John Dierkes as preacher. Furthermore unbilled actors of the Corman factory as Dick Miller and Jonathan Haze. It packs not withstanding and weak special effects made by date means. Rare musical score by Lex Baxter and colorful cinematography by Floyd Crosby, booth of whom are habitual of Roger Corman.
After his period realizing poverty-budget horror movies as ¨Swamp woman, The beast with a million of eyes, Attack of the crab monsters , Undead¨, then came the cycle of tales of terror based on Poe as ¨ House of Usher, Pit and pendulum, The raven , Tales of terror, The masque of the red death ¨ , and Corman made this undisputed masterpiece , X , that won the Golden Asteroid in the Trieste Festival of Science Fiction Films in 1963. Rating : Above average, definitively wholesome watching , Corman's achievement to have bent the Sci-Fi genre with splendid results.
If thy eye offends thee...
RELEASED IN 1963 and directed by Roger Corman, "X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes" chronicles events in Los Angeles when a doctor (Ray Milland) develops a formula that grants x-ray vision, which derails his career and forces him to join a carnival, using his new power to make a living. Diana Van der Vlis plays his disciple while Don Rickles is on hand as a carnival barker.
The early 60's vibe is to die for, but the beginning is rather dull. Things perk up at an adult party where the aging doctor tries to keep hip and eventually sees everyone nakkid (lol). The carnival sequence and what it leads into are arguably the best parts, although the Vegas and tent revival episodes have their attractions. The movie scores meh on the female front, but Lorrie Summers and Cathie Merchant have small parts.
THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hour 19 minutes and was shot in Los Angeles, California & Las Vegas, Nevada. WRITERS: Robert Dillon and Ray Russell. ADDITIONAL CAST: Harold J. Stone and John Hoyt play colleagues of the doctor.
GRADE: B-
The early 60's vibe is to die for, but the beginning is rather dull. Things perk up at an adult party where the aging doctor tries to keep hip and eventually sees everyone nakkid (lol). The carnival sequence and what it leads into are arguably the best parts, although the Vegas and tent revival episodes have their attractions. The movie scores meh on the female front, but Lorrie Summers and Cathie Merchant have small parts.
THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hour 19 minutes and was shot in Los Angeles, California & Las Vegas, Nevada. WRITERS: Robert Dillon and Ray Russell. ADDITIONAL CAST: Harold J. Stone and John Hoyt play colleagues of the doctor.
GRADE: B-
A Classic after More Than Fifty Years
The scientist Dr. James Xavier (Ray Milland) is researching an eye drops that increases the power of the vision. Dr. Xavier decides to test the drug on him and finds that his experiment gives X-Ray vision. However his research fund is cut off, despite the efforts of his friends Dr. Diane Fairfax (Diana Van der Vlis) and Dr. Sam Brant (Harold J. Stone) to explain its importance to the investors. Dr. Xavier proceeds testing the drug on himself and realizes the wrong diagnostic of a teenager that will be submitted to a heart surgery. Dr. Xavier does not allow the surgeon Dr. Willard Benson (John Hoyt) to carry out the surgery and is accused of malpractice. When Dr. Sam Brant tries to stop Dr. Xavier of using his eye drops again, he reacts and accidentally kills his friend.
Dr. Xavier flees from the police and works blindfolded in a carnival "guessing" written information. However he is recognized and soon he invites Diane to travel abroad with him. But he decides to go to Las Vegas first to raise money in a casino, with tragic consequences.
"X – The Man with the X-Ray Eyes" can be considered a classic after more than fifty years. This movie is one of the best works of Roger Corman. Ray Milland has excellent performance and the conclusion is creepy. There were rumors about an alternate ending where Xavier would scream "I can still see" but Roger Corman tells that it was a creation by Stephen King. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "O Homem dos Olhos de Raio-X" ("The Man with the X-Ray Eyes")
Dr. Xavier flees from the police and works blindfolded in a carnival "guessing" written information. However he is recognized and soon he invites Diane to travel abroad with him. But he decides to go to Las Vegas first to raise money in a casino, with tragic consequences.
"X – The Man with the X-Ray Eyes" can be considered a classic after more than fifty years. This movie is one of the best works of Roger Corman. Ray Milland has excellent performance and the conclusion is creepy. There were rumors about an alternate ending where Xavier would scream "I can still see" but Roger Corman tells that it was a creation by Stephen King. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "O Homem dos Olhos de Raio-X" ("The Man with the X-Ray Eyes")
- claudio_carvalho
- Jan 4, 2015
- Permalink
The Eye Of God
The sad thing about the film X is that it was 40 years ahead of its time. Roger Corman should have done this or even redone this film in the age of computer graphics. Maybe at a major studio perhaps.
But a major studio would never have taken a chance on a film like this. A science fiction movie without any horrific monsters or buckets of blood and gore, the moguls would reason who would want to see that? X could only be done at American-International Pictures and be done only with someone of the imagination of Roger Corman.
Ray Milland as Dr. James Xavier is a research scientist doing work in the field of vision. Dr. Frankenstein only wanted to bring life back from the dead. Milland wants to improve vision so that we see with the eye of God.
He develops a serum based on hormones and enzymes and you apply to the eyes. Milland sees things more clearly, but as was said in a film some thirty years after X, he can't handle the truth.
After accidentally killing a colleague friend in Harold J. Stone, Milland goes underground still continuing his experiments and working first at a carnival and then at a diagnostic/healer under the tutelage of Don Rickles. All the while colleague Diana Van Der Vlis is looking for him because guilty or not of the homicide of their friend Stone, Van Der Vlis believes in Milland and his work.
The climax of this film which takes place in a tent revival meeting is a sudden death one and unforgettable. Let's just say there are no good choices or fates left for Milland. And he's been given a clarity far beyond what any of these people in that tent can comprehend.
Don Rickles will surprise many with his performance as this bottom feeding carnival hustler at how good he is. Actually he's not wrong in what he sees as a practical solution for all concerned, hiding Milland from the authorities, making money, and allowing him to continue his research. But no proper doctor wants a partner like Rickles. It's like Colin Clive teaming up with Dwight Frye. Also in a small role at the end of the film is John Dierkes as the small time evangelist with the tent show. He's also quite good.
X does ask some interesting questions, much like the original Frankenstein movie. This film really deserves a remake.
But a major studio would never have taken a chance on a film like this. A science fiction movie without any horrific monsters or buckets of blood and gore, the moguls would reason who would want to see that? X could only be done at American-International Pictures and be done only with someone of the imagination of Roger Corman.
Ray Milland as Dr. James Xavier is a research scientist doing work in the field of vision. Dr. Frankenstein only wanted to bring life back from the dead. Milland wants to improve vision so that we see with the eye of God.
He develops a serum based on hormones and enzymes and you apply to the eyes. Milland sees things more clearly, but as was said in a film some thirty years after X, he can't handle the truth.
After accidentally killing a colleague friend in Harold J. Stone, Milland goes underground still continuing his experiments and working first at a carnival and then at a diagnostic/healer under the tutelage of Don Rickles. All the while colleague Diana Van Der Vlis is looking for him because guilty or not of the homicide of their friend Stone, Van Der Vlis believes in Milland and his work.
The climax of this film which takes place in a tent revival meeting is a sudden death one and unforgettable. Let's just say there are no good choices or fates left for Milland. And he's been given a clarity far beyond what any of these people in that tent can comprehend.
Don Rickles will surprise many with his performance as this bottom feeding carnival hustler at how good he is. Actually he's not wrong in what he sees as a practical solution for all concerned, hiding Milland from the authorities, making money, and allowing him to continue his research. But no proper doctor wants a partner like Rickles. It's like Colin Clive teaming up with Dwight Frye. Also in a small role at the end of the film is John Dierkes as the small time evangelist with the tent show. He's also quite good.
X does ask some interesting questions, much like the original Frankenstein movie. This film really deserves a remake.
- bkoganbing
- Nov 14, 2010
- Permalink
If thine eyes offend thee...
Brilliant Doctor Xavier is working on a a serum to hopefully improve human sight, he stumbles upon a formula that can give subjects x-ray vision. Refusing to wait for approval from colleagues, and driven by the potential the serum has, he tests it on himself. At first it seems to be a remarkable, almost beautiful thing, but as things move on, Xavier spirals downwards towards the darkest depths that man can see.
X is a totally memorable piece of sci-fi schlock, at times visceral with its weirdness, and at others wholly disturbing, this ranks as one of the best of director Roger Corman's efforts. Ray Milland takes the lead role of Xavier and adds a touch of class to the proceedings, Xavier's descent is quite something to observe with Milland layering it perfectly. From the jaunty hilarity of being able to see through peoples clothes, to the joy of being able to beat the casino at their own game, Xavier still has to go further because his pain is too much to bear, and only come the final shocking finale are we the viewers able to see clearly Xavier's pain. 7/10
X is a totally memorable piece of sci-fi schlock, at times visceral with its weirdness, and at others wholly disturbing, this ranks as one of the best of director Roger Corman's efforts. Ray Milland takes the lead role of Xavier and adds a touch of class to the proceedings, Xavier's descent is quite something to observe with Milland layering it perfectly. From the jaunty hilarity of being able to see through peoples clothes, to the joy of being able to beat the casino at their own game, Xavier still has to go further because his pain is too much to bear, and only come the final shocking finale are we the viewers able to see clearly Xavier's pain. 7/10
- hitchcockthelegend
- Sep 16, 2008
- Permalink
Unscary, senseless, pointless, low-budget horror
I had hopes for a decent outing with this film, but I must confess it was pretty disappointing. The basic idea of the film is that a surgeon has somehow concocted an eye drop formula that enables your eyes to see through things -- ya' know, like x-rays (how a regular doc was engaged in such successful scientific experimentation is a complete mystery).
That's pretty much it for plot. Oh yeah, there's some campy stuff where good ol' doc realizes he sees everyone naked, etc. etc... pretty routine sixties stuff there. The film really flounders because of the stupidity of the writing. Our good doc (Ray Milland) stubbornly refuses to test his concoction on anyone but himself because, evidently, Joe Blow 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 is evidently pretty stupid, or else these eye drops act like a narcotic, because he keeps on and keeps on taking the stuff even after he says he'd just like to be able to open his eyes again and he's going nuts because everything is so bright, weird, etc. And then there's the odd transition from the point where he has to take drops because "it's wearing off" (even though he kept saying the effect was "cumulative"), and then next thing you know he's seeing to the middle of the universe or something.
The ending also was pretty weird, completely unrealistic and done for cheap shock value. Even with all that, this low-budget might have worked as a morality play or something of the like, but that avenue isn't even on the map, much less explored. The whole thing was marginally watchable once, but I definitely wouldn't want to suffer through it again. I'd like to give it a little higher rating, but there's really not a reason I can think to do so.
That's pretty much it for plot. Oh yeah, there's some campy stuff where good ol' doc realizes he sees everyone naked, etc. etc... pretty routine sixties stuff there. The film really flounders because of the stupidity of the writing. Our good doc (Ray Milland) stubbornly refuses to test his concoction on anyone but himself because, evidently, Joe Blow 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 is evidently pretty stupid, or else these eye drops act like a narcotic, because he keeps on and keeps on taking the stuff even after he says he'd just like to be able to open his eyes again and he's going nuts because everything is so bright, weird, etc. And then there's the odd transition from the point where he has to take drops because "it's wearing off" (even though he kept saying the effect was "cumulative"), and then next thing you know he's seeing to the middle of the universe or something.
The ending also was pretty weird, completely unrealistic and done for cheap shock value. Even with all that, this low-budget might have worked as a morality play or something of the like, but that avenue isn't even on the map, much less explored. The whole thing was marginally watchable once, but I definitely wouldn't want to suffer through it again. I'd like to give it a little higher rating, but there's really not a reason I can think to do so.
X-Ray Milland
Here is Corman at almost his best. Ray Milland was as good an actor as Vincent Price, and this story isn't trapped in the Poe mode of rotting flesh and dilapidated mansions. It's more in the manner of Corman's The Trip, which was made a few years later. Dr. Xavier discovers something that he can use to see through solid objects, but its effect is cumulative, and by the end of the movie he's seeing all the way to the core of reality.
Of course, he has to go on the run, and must abandon his medical career. We see him in a carnival, reading peoples' thoughts, and later teaming up with his x girlfriend and going to Vegas and seeing through the cards and winning big, and finally, escaping from the police, and as he drives through the Nevada desert, we see that he can't see a thing. Abandoning his Lincoln Continental, he stumbles into a tent revival meeting. The preacher, played by Royal Dano(?)is telling his followers to throw Satan out. Filmed by Floyd Crosby, with beautiful special effects, this is a real piece of 60's film-making by one of the masters.
Of course, he has to go on the run, and must abandon his medical career. We see him in a carnival, reading peoples' thoughts, and later teaming up with his x girlfriend and going to Vegas and seeing through the cards and winning big, and finally, escaping from the police, and as he drives through the Nevada desert, we see that he can't see a thing. Abandoning his Lincoln Continental, he stumbles into a tent revival meeting. The preacher, played by Royal Dano(?)is telling his followers to throw Satan out. Filmed by Floyd Crosby, with beautiful special effects, this is a real piece of 60's film-making by one of the masters.
- RanchoTuVu
- Jun 28, 2004
- Permalink
Cheesy fun...
This is one of two Roger Corman films that starred Ray Milland (the other being "The Premature Burial"). Interestingly, the two have been combined onto one DVD--and they both are very entertaining and would make a nice purchase for your home video collection.
In "X", Ray Milland plays a crazed scientist who is working on a formula to improve vision. It seems he's stumbled upon a formula to make eye drops that might allow someone to actually see through things! He is so focused on his work that he's willing to even try out his formula on himself--a very, very bad decision in retrospect.
The film gets high marks for just being entertaining and goofy fun. It's not intellectual or brilliantly made, but it is fun to watch--something too often neglected in film reviews. The only serious drawbacks are the ways that people behave in the film--it just didn't make sense on many occasions. I'll give a few examples. First, because Milland had such wonderful x-ray vision, he could see that a child about to undergo surgery actually has a tumor--the other doctor is wrong in his diagnosis. How this other doctor reacts--both before AND after Milland saves the girl makes no sense. Likewise, soon after this, a psychiatrist way overreacts to Milland's powers--a tries to forcibly stab Milland with a hypo filled with a sedative while standing DIRECTLY NEXT TO A GIANT WINDOW!! Is anyone that dumb?! And, when the psychiatrist ends up falling out the window after a brief struggle, Milland runs--yet he'd really done nothing wrong--just reacted to people's overreactions and assaultive behavior. It was as if he had a giant fly head or was Godzilla in the way some reacted! Come on, folks, he's just got great vision!!
My score of 6 is for the overall quality of the film. It ain't brilliantly made. But, as far as the entertainment factor goes, I'd give this one an 8--it is a must-see for lovers of low-budget 60s horror.
In "X", Ray Milland plays a crazed scientist who is working on a formula to improve vision. It seems he's stumbled upon a formula to make eye drops that might allow someone to actually see through things! He is so focused on his work that he's willing to even try out his formula on himself--a very, very bad decision in retrospect.
The film gets high marks for just being entertaining and goofy fun. It's not intellectual or brilliantly made, but it is fun to watch--something too often neglected in film reviews. The only serious drawbacks are the ways that people behave in the film--it just didn't make sense on many occasions. I'll give a few examples. First, because Milland had such wonderful x-ray vision, he could see that a child about to undergo surgery actually has a tumor--the other doctor is wrong in his diagnosis. How this other doctor reacts--both before AND after Milland saves the girl makes no sense. Likewise, soon after this, a psychiatrist way overreacts to Milland's powers--a tries to forcibly stab Milland with a hypo filled with a sedative while standing DIRECTLY NEXT TO A GIANT WINDOW!! Is anyone that dumb?! And, when the psychiatrist ends up falling out the window after a brief struggle, Milland runs--yet he'd really done nothing wrong--just reacted to people's overreactions and assaultive behavior. It was as if he had a giant fly head or was Godzilla in the way some reacted! Come on, folks, he's just got great vision!!
My score of 6 is for the overall quality of the film. It ain't brilliantly made. But, as far as the entertainment factor goes, I'd give this one an 8--it is a must-see for lovers of low-budget 60s horror.
- planktonrules
- Mar 23, 2010
- Permalink
Do You See What I See?
A very thoughtful, engrossing, flawed film from superhuman director/producer Roger Corman. Yep, it has some problems, most primarily dealing with a limited budget. But what it lacks in dollars it has in heart and its ability to make you think about what we are missing out seeing with our vision. I am not sure that much, or even any, scientific creedence can be given to the idea behind the experiments of Dr. Xavier James and his search to see beyond what normal vision allows. Ray Milland gives a fine performance as the obsessed man out to continue his experiments even if they involve using himself as the human guinea pig. Some of the scenes and dialogue are a bit hokey by today's standards but most fit the film very nicely. The scene with Milland at a party is a real hoot and great comedic relief. I also loved the end to the film but thought it could have been plucked out a little longer. The effects are very sparse and the only ones I really thought were any good were the ones used to highlight Milland's eyes through the film. The film boasts a fine cast of stalwart sci-fi/Corman people such as Morris Ankrum, Dick Miller, Jonathan Haze, and Barboura Morris, as well as a young(and obviously talented) Don Rickles. Definitely try to see your way to seeing this film.
- BaronBl00d
- Mar 30, 2001
- Permalink
Good fun for Corman fans.
A good premise is at the core of this entertaining Roger Corman film: doctor / researcher James Xavier (Ray Milland) hopes to access that part of the visual spectrum that human eyes usually don't get to see. He develops a solution - administered in the form of eye-drops - and tests it on himself, finding that then he is able to see through all manner of objects. His intentions start out as honorable, but as the story progresses his mind deteriorates and he's not above using his new power for selfish purposes.
The film is basically divided into two parts. The first leads up to his accidental killing of his friend and colleague Sam Brant (Harold J. Stone), and the second half is devoted to his life spent as a criminal in hiding. First he becomes a performer in a carnival, then a sleazy new acquaintance, Crane (the well cast Don Rickles), convinces him to become a "healer". Soon Xavier feels the law closing in, and his beautiful blonde fellow doctor Diane Fairfax (Diana Van der Vlis) comes back into his life to lend what assistance she can.
The excellent Milland makes this a pleasurable viewing; he's believable every step of the way, and his supporting cast is strong. Corman stock company players Dick Miller, Jonathan Haze, Barboura Morris, and John Dierkes, along with busy genre actor of the period Morris Ankrum, all appear uncredited. The arresting special effects are a highlight, and Milland gets to sport some memorably creepy contact lenses. There's some humor to be enjoyed here, especially in an early party sequence that's also mildly titillating, as Xavier can see what all the dancers look like underneath their clothes. And Rickles, who's great, adds more humor with his cheerful performance as the trashy opportunist.
"X" has a great trippy feel; at 79 minutes it does feel a little padded at times, but it still tells a pretty good story in an involving way and leads to what is a very striking finish.
Seven out of 10.
The film is basically divided into two parts. The first leads up to his accidental killing of his friend and colleague Sam Brant (Harold J. Stone), and the second half is devoted to his life spent as a criminal in hiding. First he becomes a performer in a carnival, then a sleazy new acquaintance, Crane (the well cast Don Rickles), convinces him to become a "healer". Soon Xavier feels the law closing in, and his beautiful blonde fellow doctor Diane Fairfax (Diana Van der Vlis) comes back into his life to lend what assistance she can.
The excellent Milland makes this a pleasurable viewing; he's believable every step of the way, and his supporting cast is strong. Corman stock company players Dick Miller, Jonathan Haze, Barboura Morris, and John Dierkes, along with busy genre actor of the period Morris Ankrum, all appear uncredited. The arresting special effects are a highlight, and Milland gets to sport some memorably creepy contact lenses. There's some humor to be enjoyed here, especially in an early party sequence that's also mildly titillating, as Xavier can see what all the dancers look like underneath their clothes. And Rickles, who's great, adds more humor with his cheerful performance as the trashy opportunist.
"X" has a great trippy feel; at 79 minutes it does feel a little padded at times, but it still tells a pretty good story in an involving way and leads to what is a very striking finish.
Seven out of 10.
- Hey_Sweden
- May 26, 2012
- Permalink
I Can Still See
'X: The Man with the X-ray Eyes' - one can expect everything from a movie with such title, a superhero tale, a man turned some vicious monsters, an alien visiting earth etc. Especially when the film is directed by no other than Roger Corman. But no, this is not another cheesy exploitation flick. 'X' is much more visceral and lurid, sometimes even disturbing science-fiction horror than usual Corman's productions.
Ray Milland gives powerful and balanced performance as Dr. James Xavier, a scientist obsessed near insanity for developing eye drops that can give X-ray vision. When he finally decides to try the new invention on himself, soon things start to get awry. Luckilly the film doesn't turn into mad scientist grounds, but stays till the end as a story of a man who does it for good, not for self beneficial purposes. 'X' manages to stay true to its serious tone established in first quarter of the film. Not cheese, but chills. Visual effects are quite effective even by today's standard and nice touch was to see things (and people) through Xavier's eyes. All this is fantastically tied together with powerful finale where Xavier gives speech before pastor about seeing things at the edges of the universe.
First-rate Corman production and deservedly fortified its place in cult classics arena.
Ray Milland gives powerful and balanced performance as Dr. James Xavier, a scientist obsessed near insanity for developing eye drops that can give X-ray vision. When he finally decides to try the new invention on himself, soon things start to get awry. Luckilly the film doesn't turn into mad scientist grounds, but stays till the end as a story of a man who does it for good, not for self beneficial purposes. 'X' manages to stay true to its serious tone established in first quarter of the film. Not cheese, but chills. Visual effects are quite effective even by today's standard and nice touch was to see things (and people) through Xavier's eyes. All this is fantastically tied together with powerful finale where Xavier gives speech before pastor about seeing things at the edges of the universe.
First-rate Corman production and deservedly fortified its place in cult classics arena.
"I am closing in on the Gods."
Perhaps because audiences were expecting Vincent Price to star in Roger Corman's 'The Premature Burial', the performance by Ray Milland was regarded by some as rather lacklustre but that of course is down to the individual viewer. There is little doubt however that his casting in 'The Man with the X-Ray Eyes' for the same director is inspired as he utilises his authoritative manner to great effect whilst balancing arrogance and sensitivity. In common with the best film actors Mr. Milland was able to convey so much through his eyes, witness his performance in Russell Rouse's 'The Thief' from the previous decade in which his presence carried the film without any dialogue. The emphasis in that film is on 'sight' and devoted Cormanites will have noted his fascination with ocular sensitivity.
Despite a few unintentionally funny moments that one expects from this genre, writer Ray Russell's new take on the theme of 'science gone wrong' is both haunting and disturbing as it shows Dr. Xavier's breakthrough discovery to be more of a curse than a blessing whilst his downward spiral from eminent physician to outcast is well realised. The psychedelic images resembling drug-induced visions look forward to Corman's later 'The Trip'.
The film also features John Hoyt, Harold J. Stone, Diana Van de Vlis as the thinking man's crumpet and as a sleazeball, comedian Don Rickles (affectionately known as the 'Merchant of Venom') in a rare straight role.
Mr. Corman was certainly no stranger to Edgar Allan Poe and the words of that poet seem singularly apposite here: "Science! True daughter of Old Time thou art, who alterest all things with thy peering eyes."
Despite a few unintentionally funny moments that one expects from this genre, writer Ray Russell's new take on the theme of 'science gone wrong' is both haunting and disturbing as it shows Dr. Xavier's breakthrough discovery to be more of a curse than a blessing whilst his downward spiral from eminent physician to outcast is well realised. The psychedelic images resembling drug-induced visions look forward to Corman's later 'The Trip'.
The film also features John Hoyt, Harold J. Stone, Diana Van de Vlis as the thinking man's crumpet and as a sleazeball, comedian Don Rickles (affectionately known as the 'Merchant of Venom') in a rare straight role.
Mr. Corman was certainly no stranger to Edgar Allan Poe and the words of that poet seem singularly apposite here: "Science! True daughter of Old Time thou art, who alterest all things with thy peering eyes."
- brogmiller
- Sep 25, 2023
- Permalink
classic
Truly mind-expanding in its own button-down way. The unusual pace is set right in the opening, an eerie shot of a disembodied eyeball - no credits, no production logo, just an eyeball. There's more than just trippy imagery and cheap thrills here, though - the themes are cosmic, and the dialogue is richly layered with references to sight and lack thereof. Even the purpler soliloquies (like the one about "a city unborn"), which coming out of a lesser actor's mouth might seem like a simple necessary way to cut production costs (telling is usually cheaper than showing, depending on the actor), seem powerful and significant when delivered by Ray Milland.
- yusufpiskin
- May 22, 2020
- Permalink
Superlative, Brilliant, Thoroughly Engrossing SF Tragedy Which Stands as Roger Corman's Best And Most Impressive Effort In This Field.
- Morbius-13
- Aug 11, 1999
- Permalink
Still powerful
- BandSAboutMovies
- Apr 5, 2022
- Permalink
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 shivery music (courtesy Les Baxter), hysteria, and young party-goers dancing naked (as seen through Milland's eyes...you mean he can see through clothes but not through skin?). Film's biggest problem is that once Milland has X-ray vision, nothing fascinating is done with his character or with his discovery. As for the star-lead, he's sour and surly throughout. Cinematographer Floyd Crosby is allowed to open the picture with an outrageous shot, but visual interest wanes from there. *1/2 from ****
- moonspinner55
- Apr 27, 2001
- Permalink
Awesome SF flick
Skilled horror movie
This movie is a well done horror. The story is always the same, an ambitious scientist makes an experiment and after the initial success he loses control. The best examples are Dr. Frankenstein, the invisible man, lamosca and many others.
This case is no different from the others but it proves skilled in showing the growing terror of the scientist who slowly slips into madness, passing through fear, joy and resignation.
This case is no different from the others but it proves skilled in showing the growing terror of the scientist who slowly slips into madness, passing through fear, joy and resignation.
- stefanozucchelli
- Jan 1, 2022
- Permalink
Complete failure to understand the positive comment presented.
Some years back, a friend of mine and I, sitting on the floor of my apartment in Poughkeepsie, New York...which had no right-angles anywhere, and a marble on the floor would wander about aimlessly... were watching a film, and in complete hysterics because it was so bad: "The Snake Woman"! Now, never since then have I seen anything that I would consider worse...until now. I was sleepless last night, and "X" was on; I had never thought that there could be a worse film than "The Snake Woman", but Ray Milland did his best to prove me wrong! And Don Rickles didn't insult anything, and wasn't even remotely funny. So... I can't, for the life of me, understand why someone can say anything positive about this absolute disaster. Therefore my summary: a dreadfully boring and worthless movie.
- AlbertTurnerIII
- Apr 9, 2006
- Permalink
Rantings of a confused reviewer