The concept is utterly outstanding. Whether presented as a fake documentary, as this is, or as a conventional genre flick, the idea is ripe for storytelling: an extremely rare film that has a very particular effect on those who see it. Better yet to center true film-making pioneer Georges Méliès, known for surreal and fantastical shorts as early as the late nineteenth century; if any one person in the whole history of the medium might have genuinely made such a picture, it probably would have been Méliès. 'Fury of the demon' is lent exquisite verisimilitude by the labor poured into maintaining the appearance of a true, honest documentary, especially as it discusses the life and history of Méliès, those around him, and the fictional feature. Just as much to the point, the production values here are top-notch as a few recognizable figures are interviewed, and discussion of the subject matter is roundly comprehensive. There's speculative rumination on psychology and sociology, the physical properties of old films, the power of cinema as a medium, and much more, treating everything herein as if it were authentic cultural history. Honestly, kudos to filmmaker Fabien Delage, because this is rather superb.
I'm not sure if the result is as entirely successful as other "mockumentaries," such as Peter Jackson's 'Forgotten Silver' or Christopher Guest's 'A mighty wind,' that are played for comedic effect. One might also draw comparisons to "documentaries" on pseudoscience or conspiracy theories that the participants falsely believe to be real, or to propagandist films in which inaccurate, misleading, or false information is presented as fact; clearly such works also possess a certain power for a select audience. Yet even if this project isn't unfailingly perfect in every capacity, by and large 'Fury of the demon' is weirdly, unexpectedly engrossing. As it explores the topic from so many angles it becomes not just a movie about a fictional movie, but a movie about Méliès, and cinema, and all the little pieces around and in between. Suspension of disbelief is easily achieved, and the viewing experience becomes uniquely fascinating, almost a thought experiment. And isn't that the mark of a good film in the first place - one that makes us think, or feel, or have some distinct reaction?
The style adopted here is not one that will appeal to all, but I'm pleased with how well done it is in both writing and realization. I've seen too many conventional works of fiction that pale in comparison to what Delage has crafted in 'Fury of the demon,' and at only one mere hour in length, it's an entertaining feature for any cinephile.
