Edison

film 69 of 103

Jack and the Beanstalk

Film Review by Dean Duncan May 28, 2015

This is a very charming film, and a very important one too. It is Meliés-influenced (theatrical décor, sequence shots with transitions), though not a patch on Meliés himself. But if its more heavy-footed and threadbare than its main inspiration, it’s also more innocent and alive with joyful enthusiasm. The cow! Fantastic. The use of this actual kid is also a great advantage. The giant isn’t that giant! Notice as we move through these productions that we’re starting to find plenty of historical and formal/dramatic interest.