The X Rays (1897)

"The X-Rays" is a short silent film directed by Georges Méliès in 1897, showcasing his early experimentation with special effects in cinema. In this innovative work, Méliès employs a simple but effective visual trick to create the illusion of characters becoming transparent through the use of double exposure. The film features a doctor examining a patient using X-rays, leading to a whimsical and fantastical display as the inner workings of the characters are revealed.

As one of Méliès' early films, "The X-Rays" demonstrates his pioneering spirit and inventive use of film techniques at a time when the medium was still in its infancy. This particular work highlights Méliès' fascination with the possibilities of visual storytelling and special effects, laying the foundation for his later, more elaborate contributions to the world of cinema.