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Don't Believe the Hype

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

Claude Rains' performance will you leave you chuckling as much as it leaves you looking behind your shoulder expecting someone with a knife.

Attempting to work on an experiment, a scientist working on a secret serum in a remote town allows the fact that he's become invisible to be known as he slowly becomes incensed with madness and forces the authorities to deal with his condition to stop him.This is one of the greatest horror films of all time. One of the best parts about this one is that the special effects in the film are absolutely amazing, especially when you take into consideration that they were virtually inventing methods of composite mattes in film to make the invisible man truly come alive and real. The effects are used liberally, giving scenes showing a shirt running around seemingly by itself yet obviously containing a man and not being hung by wires, and more difficult ones showing him unwrapping the bandages in a mirror. Even inanimate objects look good, as bicycles ride on their own, lines of footprints appear in the snow, cigarettes are lit and smoke puffed in mid-air, are still a remarkable achievement to the technical prowess of the effects. The effects are not only used to build suspense and inspire fear, they are used to create a few comic moments as well from a screaming woman running down a road pursued by an empty pair of pants skipping along while the invisible man sings a catchy tune or tossing an inkwell into a police inspector's face while later moments of hilarity, like a cash drawer carrying itself out of a bank, or the short rampage of pranks in the town, this provides some nice laughs along with the chills. Just as entertaining as any of the impressive visual effects are the interactions of the townsfolk's dealings with the surreal situations which are not only humorous, but quite believable and do a good job of playing off of the invisible man when he isn't there, simulating the effects of physical attacks or reacting to the sound of his voice. This is all the more enjoyable for how creative and exciting it is. The police and townspeople also stretch their wits to confront this new condition and come up with an impressive array of solutions with everything from spray-paint to freshly tarred roads to fishing nets to listening for the sound of sneezes. The film teems with ideas, and these concrete details add credibility to the story and make it enjoyably complex. Coupled with a fantastic pace and outstanding action scenes in the finale where they finally manage to capture him in the house, this is a classic in every way it can be thought of. There isn't a whole lot at all to dislike. The biggest issue here is that romance angle between the two here doesn't work at all as there isn't much chemistry at all, and it's a hard time understanding what she saw in him even before he became invisible. There's also the fact that he seems to be remarkably immune to the cold despite the fact that it is winter, and he is buck naked whenever he goes about invisible. It would have better to see that angle explored a bit more as well as the issues of food, sleep, and shelter. Aside from these relatively excusable problems, this is a real classic film with a lot to like about it.Today's Rating/PG: Violence.

The Invisible Man, based on the novel by science fiction legend HG Wells is the second successful film about a mad scientist directed by the late James Whale. Claude Rains, in his film debut, is beautifully cast as Jack Griffin, a scientific genius turned megalomaniac. Gloria Stuart while overshadowed like the rest of the cast by the scene stealing Rains, also deserves credit for her role as the love of Griffin's life who helps us glance at his more sympathetic side. William Harrigan's performance as reluctant assistant Kemp on the other hand allows us to see just the opposite as Griffin dominates him at every turn. Whale provides us with fantastic cinematography and his special effects do not seem outdated and even add to the artistic style. Its comedic tone, perfected here long before "comedy horror" became a staple of the genre keeps this film from ever becoming dull or grating even when Una O' Connor is screaming her lungs out. Overall The Invisible Man is far and away the best Universal monster classic and could be one of the best movies of the Pre film code era.

Claude was excellent as always! This was creepy and kept me on the edge, as a Dr. discovered transparency....why didn't he teach that trick to the president? Anyways, this had some intense and disturbing parts for its time, but it is a horror flick. Overall it was well done and moved at a good pace. The acting and story line were very good and compelling. This is of course one of those Universal Studio creep shows about a scientist and his associates that stumble on to something new and dangerous. As Claude uses his to gift to get what he wants, he eliminates those in his way. This is somewhat to quite entertaining and it qualifies for a rainy day movie for those who like suspense, surprises, and of course, murder!