On April 18, 1902, one of the most iconic movies in early cinema history was released: "A Trip to the Moon" (Le Voyage dans la Lune) by French filmmaker Georges Méliès. This silent film, which was groundbreaking for its time, is considered one of the earliest examples of science fiction in cinema.

The short film, roughly 18 minutes long, follows a group of astronomers who travel to the Moon in a cannon-propelled capsule. Upon landing, they encounter the indigenous lunar inhabitants, the Selenites, and eventually manage to escape back to Earth.

One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is when the capsule lands on the Moon's surface, directly in the eye of the "Man in the Moon." This image has become one of the most recognizable icons in cinematic history.

Méliès, who was a magician by trade, used his skills to pioneer numerous special effects techniques, including multiple exposures, time-lapse photography, and hand-painted color. His innovative style and storytelling techniques had a profound influence on future filmmakers and the development of narrative film as an art form.

"A Trip to the Moon" was a massive success upon release and was widely pirated by other studios, a testament to its popularity. The film's enduring legacy is a reminder of the early days of cinema when filmmakers were still experimenting with the medium and discovering its potential for storytelling and artistic expression.