RELEASED IN 1963 and directed by Roger Corman, "X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes" chronicles events in Los Angeles when a doctor (Ray Milland) develops a formula that grants x-ray vision, which derails his career and forces him to join a carnival, using his new power to make a living. Diana Van der Vlis plays his disciple while Don Rickles is on hand as a carnival barker.
The early 60’s vibe is to die for, but the beginning is rather dull. Things perk up at an adult party where the aging doctor tries to keep hip and eventually sees everyone nakkid (lol). The carnival sequence and what it leads into are arguably the best parts, although the Vegas and tent revival episodes have their attractions. The movie scores meh on the female front, but Lorrie Summers and Cathie Merchant have small parts.
THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hour 19 minutes and was shot in Los Angeles, California & Las Vegas, Nevada. WRITERS: Robert Dillon and Ray Russell. ADDITIONAL CAST: Harold J. Stone and John Hoyt play colleagues of the doctor.
GRADE: B-
If thine eyes offend thee...
Brilliant Doctor Xavier is working on a a serum to hopefully improve human sight, he stumbles upon a formula that can give subjects x-ray vision. Refusing to wait for approval from colleagues, and driven by the potential the serum has, he tests it on himself. At first it seems to be a remarkable, almost beautiful thing, but as things move on, Xavier spirals downwards towards the darkest depths that man can see.
X is a totally memorable piece of sci-fi schlock, at times visceral with its weirdness, and at others wholly disturbing, this ranks as one of the best of director Roger Corman's efforts. Ray Milland takes the lead role of Xavier and adds a touch of class to the proceedings, Xavier's descent is quite something to observe with Milland layering it perfectly. From the jaunty hilarity of being able to see through peoples clothes, to the joy of being able to beat the casino at their own game, Xavier still has to go further because his pain is too much to bear, and only come the final shocking finale are we the viewers able to see clearly Xavier's pain. 7/10
Bizarre, but I like it.
<em>'X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes'</em> is quite the interesting film. Perfectly paced at almost 80 minutes, it features a very good performance from Ray Milland as James Xavier. Diana Van der Vlis and Harold J. Stone are solid behind Milland, while there's also a role for Mr. Potato Head himself Don Rickles.
Based on the title, you can presume a few beats as to what will happen (man has x-ray vision, women appear... you can guess what occurs next - not that it 'shows' anything, mind). Still, there are also some quite good horror bits involved - the last scene with Stone's character and the final scene itself are rather awesome. For 63', the special effects look swell too.
A very good flick, one that most definitely has strong rewatchability to it.
This becomes cosmic horror in its very last minute, but up until that point it is a run-of-the-mill 60s horror movie with psychedelic-like effects and great acting. There's nothing in particular that makes the movie stand out as far as its production or directing goes, it's just a solid horror movie from its era.
What does make it interesting is the twist of cosmic horror at the very end. While it doesn't get explored, it does hint at a deeper set underneath this story, which I think could have been far more interesting to look into.
