“Fantasmagorie,” created by Étienne-Gaspard Robert, was a show that could be quite frightening for those who had never experienced it before. Aimed at inducing fear, the performance utilized a magic lantern along with various visual and sound effects to create the illusion of animation. Some audience members even believed that the show involved witchcraft. While the visual effects themselves were harmless, Robert employed nitric acid to produce smoke, a substance with dangerous health implications that could pose real risks to the audience. This reaction may have intensified the viewers’ fear and excitement surrounding the show.
Today, a contemporary equivalent can be found in “4D movies,” which blend traditional cinema with physical effects that occur within the theater. These effects are designed to immerse the audience, making them feel as if they are part of the film.
