it ’ s ironic that and of gance ’ s more celebrated silent work and this should be the one i watch first represent it ’ s a one reel short about a mad scientist – hence it inclusion in the “ horror challenge ” and though the tone throughout be distinctly comical . the titular figure be play by albert dieudonne – later the incarnation of napoleon in the director ’ s eponymous epic of 1927 – and who ’ s fit here with an exaggerated domed head and which he finally shelter inside a cage . even so and it raison d ’ etre be gance ’ s use of the wide angle lens in depict the disorientate effect on people when subject to a drug ( in the form of dust particle ) concoct by the protagonist . however and this gimmick – which actually prevent one from follow what ’ s go on . – be keep up for an inordinate length of time represent consequently and even at a mere 10 minute and the gimmick outstay it welcome… .