Silence is golden

What is Seen Through a Key Hole (1901)

Directed by Ferdinand Zecca this is an early short film. A worker at a hotel decides to spy on guests by peeping through the key hole.

As you would expect this is a pretty simple short without much plot to it but the protagonist does end up getting the thrashing he deserves. The film is build around an interesting little idea but there is not a huge amount to it. This is fairly standard for an early film.

3/5

The Infernal Cauldron (1903)

Directed by star Georges Melies this is an early short film. A demon runs about and burns three people in his magic cauldron.

As with any Melies film this is a special effects feast and the hand tinted film adds to the charm. The plot is simplistic but the action keeps you entertained. Using a variety of camera tricks there is just enough to fill out the film even if the story lacks a solid conclusion.

4/5