Le Diable géant ou Le miracle de la madonne (The Devil and the Statue) is a short silent film directed by Georges Méliès in 1901. Like many of Méliès’ works, it features elaborate stagecraft, special effects, and fantastical elements.
The film tells the story of a giant devil who threatens a religious statue, only to be ultimately defeated by divine intervention. Méliès, known for his pioneering visual effects, used techniques such as substitution splices, multiple exposures, and pyrotechnics to create the supernatural spectacle. The film reflects Méliès’ fascination with fantasy, magic, and religious iconography, common themes in his work.
While not as famous as A Trip to the Moon (1902), Le Diable géant is a prime example of Méliès’ ability to blend storytelling with early cinematic illusions. It contributed to the evolution of film as a medium for fantasy and visual spectacle.
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