The Invisible Man (1933)
Can you figure out the techniques behind the extensive special effects in 1933’s The Invisible Man? Probably if you look hard. Does that matter? They're still impressive and sophisticated, as is the story, direction, and writing. It’s a classic for a reason.
When a mysterious bandaged scientist (Claude Rains) takes a room at the Lion’s Head Inn, he raises suspicion among the locals. After his request to be left alone is ignored, Dr. Jack Griffin's secret is revealed: he's discovered a way to make himself invisible. Driven mad by the procedure, the Invisible Man goes on a rampage that holds the entire world in the grip of terror.
This is a smart, refined film. It's often darkly comical, which makes it timeless. The Invisible Man cracks jokes and taunts the helpless people in his path. That would've been gutsy back then but the picture takes it further. Wrap your mind around the fact that our main character is a villain. Griffin is not some misunderstood monster who was given the wrong brain or a group of friends confronting a blood-sucking demon from a faraway land; he's a cold-blooded murderer, a terrorist and a madman. He’s also charismatic, funny and undoubtedly brilliant. You… like him. Credit goes to actor Claude Rains. Even when he’s covered up with bandages or isn’t appearing on-screen, it’s a tremendous performance. The intonations, his speech pattern, the way he articulates his words makes you forget there’s not actually anyone on-screen.
I know what you’re thinking. A movie about an invisible man? That must’ve been cheap to make. What a genius gimmick! But you’d be wrong. Director James Whale (also responsible for Universal’s Frankenstein and its sequel, Bride of Frankenstein) has assembled a lean, fast-paced, special effects-laden film. Special effects technicians John P. Fulton, John J. Mescall and Frank D. Williams knew people would look at the film with scrutiny so they give you a lot to see. Objects are always being tossed around or moved by the Invisible Man so that you know exactly where he is on-screen. While you can probably get an idea of how they created some of the illusions and today, this sort of thing is a cinch, you try and recreate them with the equipment of the time. When you look simply at the craft of the effects, you'll be amazed. You realize the intricacy of the camera work and choreography required throughout. There's a shot in which Griffin takes off his bandages to reveal nothing… in front of a mirror. Try and figure out how they pulled that one off.
At the time, The Invisible Man was groundbreaking and today, the visuals hold up, as do the tension and humor. Claude Rains is excellent at playing the villain and many of the other parts (including Una O’Connor, whose shriek will be permanently imprinted into your mind) are memorable. It’s among the best of Universal's monster films. (On Blu-ray, April 29, 2017)