The Méliès Mystery is a documentary that chronicles the efforts of restoration experts and film historians to track down and restore the lost films of Georges Méliès. A filmmaker and illusionist from the early 20th century, Méliès is considered a pioneer of special effects and fantastical storytelling, but many of his films were lost to time and neglect.
The documentary delves into the story of how Méliès' films became scattered across the world, with prints and negatives being sold off or destroyed. It explores the detective work involved in locating these films, sometimes in the unlikeliest of places, such as a garden shed in New Zealand or a barn in Montana.
The restoration process is also detailed, showing how technicians used specialized equipment to carefully clean and repair the fragile film reels. The documentary also explains how the original hand-painted color of Méliès' films was reconstructed and restored after years of fading and deterioration.
The Franco-American collaboration that made the restoration work possible is also highlighted, with interviews with key figures from both Lobster Films and the National Film Center in Japan. The Méliès Mystery is a fascinating look at film history and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.