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19 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Allegory of the Outcasts of Society, September 27, 2001
Jack Griffin is a brilliant scientist who has some ideas that his peers think dangerous and unethical. Not one to be dissuaded, Griffin successfully experiments on himself, becoming the first human to be rendered invisible. Unfortunately, prolonged invisibility--or possibly the invisibility drug itself, as his peers had warned--begins to deteriorate Griffin's mind, and he soon becomes a power-hungry killer bent on revenge. Though rarely seen in the film due to the special effects and costuming demanded by the part, Claude Rains does a dynamic job in the role of Jack Griffin. His gravelly voice and vocal histrionics serve perfectly in delivering to the audience Griffin's descent into emotional hell. And James Whale's direction is as brilliant as ever, creating the appropriate mood and atmosphere as we follow a madman's ravaging of the English countryside. One of only four Horror films directed by James Whale for Universal, THE INVISIBLE MAN is a work that some historians and critics regard as a veiled allegory of the director's own publically covert homosexuality. While FRANKENSTEIN and BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN also depict societal outcasts in a sympathetic light, the eponymous character in THE INVISIBLE MAN is a character in a situation that is most like Whale's own--a respected genius in the public eye, but a person whose true self must remain invisible. Even if you don't buy that particular historical perspective, THE INVISIBLE MAN still works as an allegory of any societal pariah. We all have traits that we sometimes hide from others; we all have masks that we wear. And at the times when we dwell on the things we keep hidden behind those masks, we may feel just a little "invisible" to others. So in watching THE INVISIBLE MAN, Jack Griffin becomes a metaphor for our own private identities, and we care about what happens to him. As with many of Whale's films, this pathos for the protagonist becomes a skeleton on which hangs the overall plot. Compared to contemporary movies, the special effects in this film might seem a little dated. But the script is good, the directing is great, and the acting is superb. Anyone who enjoyes a well-crafted movie certainly won't be disappointed.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"The Invisible Man"...Looks and Sounds Great on DVD, September 21, 2004
This review refers to "The Invisible Man"(1933) from the Universal Classic Monster Collection editions....
Not too many years before this "talkie" was made, movie stars had to convey the essence of the story, with body langauge, without words, as it was the era of the silent film. In this film, the star would act with only his words, his voice, to convey this frightening character, as he was...well...invisible through 99% of the film. So who better then a stage actor, one with a voice that gets our attention, to better portray "The Invisible Man".
The man with the voice and no body... the very distinguished Claude Rains(making his film debut). A voice that brought the brillant but megalomanical Dr. Griffen to life. Sometimes wrapped up in bandages, sometimes just a shirt, dancing around and taunting his victims, other times completely invisible, Rains is wonderful at scaring up a good time with this film. Not able to find a cure for himself, he goes insane and leaves a number of dead bodies in his wake.
So just how do you go about catching an invisible killer? Director James Whale("Frankenstein") makes the hunt fun. He includes great character actors like Una O'Connor who adds great comic relief as she runs around doing some great screams.
Even the police are humorous in their efforts to thwart the invisible one as he outfoxes them at nearly every turn. Other wonderful actors of the era included in the great cast are, Gloria Stuart(now famous again as the old Rose in James Cameron's "Titanic"), and Henry Travers("Clarence, the angel from "It's A Wonderful Life"). The screenplay based on H.G Wells' novel was given a fabulous treatment by R.C. Sherriff.
And just how does "The Invisible Man" LOOK on DVD?...He Looks fabulous! The film itself has quite a bit of scratches, but the picture is clear, the black and white images, sharp and bright, and the sound in Dolby Dig(2.0 mono) is great. All dialouge is crisp and clear in this 70 year old film. The DVD includes the very entertaining and insightful featurette, "Now You See Him: The Invisible Man Revealed". It's a lengthy look at everything about the film. The actors, the writer, the director, and best of all, how this technologically advanced film of the time, created all the wonderful special effects. Other features include commentary and production notes. The film may be viewed with English captions, and in Spanish and French languages(also with subtitles).
Get the popcorn ready.. Filmbuffs... add this one to your Monster Film Fest for Halloween...and Enjoy....Laurie
also recommended:
Alfred Hitchcock Presents volume 2
Sci-fi Channel Trivia Book. The Ultimate Trivia Challenge
The Movies: A Picture Quiz Book
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10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Seeing is believing, June 10, 2000
James Whale's interpretation of the HG Wells book is abrilliant piece of cinema. The effects are, considering the time, anastonishing achievement that really help make this movie work. This is Claude Rains film debut and while we only see his face for a few minutes, he manages to create a powerful impression as the sympathetic mad scientist. Of the Universal horror collection, this can only be matched by Whales' "Bride of Frankenstein" in terms of acting, direction, plot, and using special effects effectively. While it should have been one of the first Universal horror DVDs, let's be thankful this gem is finally available. END
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