Review of X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes

'X: The Man with the X-ray Eyes' - one can expect everything from a movie with such title, a superhero tale, a man turned some vicious monsters, an alien visiting earth etc. Especially when the film is directed by no other than Roger Corman. But no, this is not another cheesy exploitation flick. 'X' is much more visceral and lurid, sometimes even disturbing science-fiction horror than usual Corman's productions.

Ray Milland gives powerful and balanced performance as Dr. James Xavier, a scientist obsessed near insanity for developing eye drops that can give X-ray vision. When he finally decides to try the new invention on himself, soon things start to get awry. Luckilly the film doesn't turn into mad scientist grounds, but stays till the end as a story of a man who does it for good, not for self beneficial purposes. 'X' manages to stay true to its serious tone established in first quarter of the film. Not cheese, but chills. Visual effects are quite effective even by today's standard and nice touch was to see things (and people) through Xavier's eyes. All this is fantastically tied together with powerful finale where Xavier gives speech before pastor about seeing things at the edges of the universe.

First-rate Corman production and deservedly fortified its place in cult classics arena.