Movie Review: X: The Man with X-Ray Eyes (1963)

X: The Man with X-Ray Eyes (1963) produced and directed by Roger Corman

Ray Milland stars as James Xavier, a medical doctor and researcher who wants to expand human vision beyond the visible spectrum. Visible light is only a tenth of the light available, he claims. Increasing vision would increase understanding and capabilities. He's experimented on animals using eyedrops and is ready to move to human trials. The company funding the research is concerned about his lack of reports for several months and has sent Diana (Diana van der Vlis), herself a doctor, to find out what is going on. She's concerned about the lack of other trials. Xavier's medical friend Dr. Grant (Harold J. Stone) is okay with human trials but wants to experiment on someone less valuable than Xavier. Xavier scoffs at the possibility of a student or an inmate giving good feedback on how the eye drops effect vision and overall well being. He tries the drops on himself. The initial effects are successful, feeding his ego a little bit and leading him to make mistakes that put him on the run. With all his speechifying about his increased abilities, can he become a greater, if not a better, person?

The film works through various possibilities and interpretations of Xavier's condition. It never quite settles on which way the viewer should think of him, as crazy or a hero. Milland gets a lot of sympathy for his character as he struggles with the situation. Since it's a product of the 1960s American cinema, there is a groovy party scene where Xavier can't see clothes on anyone, though viewers see no explicit nudity (it's not 1980s American horror cinema). The scene is more fan service than plot or character development. The larger story plays out like an extended Twilight Zone episode, though not as sharp as Rod Serling's master work. The plot is haphazard and the ending is an abrupt shock more than a satisfying conclusion. Still, the show has a lot of interesting ideas packed into it.

Mildly recommended.

Update on Jacob's Injury

Jacob and Mommy went to the orthopaedist yesterday for a follow-up to last week's injury, viz. his broken collar bone. The doctor put Jacob through a bunch of "range of motion" tests for his shoulder. Jacob performed satisfactorily. The doctor decided not to x-ray him (thus less exposure to harmful radiation) and said that he could go without the sling for now. He has another appointment in a month where they probably will x-ray his shoulder to make sure everything is okay. Jacob is free to resume regular activities with caution.

Jacob was happy with his doctor's visit. He told me about the room with all the toys. Turns out that is the physical therapy room, filled with balls and exercise equipment. Jacob was allowed to look but not touch any of the equipment. He is looking forward to going back to the orthopaedist next month. I'm looking forward to him returning to normal climbing, running, jumping, and general personal endangerment.

We did get x-rays on CD from the hospital that the doctor looked at. The CD was returned to us. I tried to open up the software on our home computer but it would not work. It would have been cool to post an inside look at Jacob on this blog. Then I thought I'd just take a picture of the CD, only to discover that our digital camera is broken! After several attempts to reset or fix it (the lens won't come out), I guess it's time for a new one. Sorry for the lack of pictures!

P.S. In case you are wondering about the whole orthopedist vs. orthopaedist spelling controversy, check this out.