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7 months ago

X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes

a review by John Chard

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