(en.wikipedia.org)
One of the more interesting and unusual horror films of the 1930s is The Invisible Man, directed by James Whale and produced by Carl Laemelle Jr. for Universal Studios (1933). This film is based on H.G. Wells’ novel of the same name, and it is a reasonably close adaptation of the book. Some changes were made to the story line, notably the addition of a love interest and moving the time from the Victorian Era to the 1930s.
(en.wikipedia.org)
The film was unusual in the caliber and sophistication of the special effects, which still hold up to contemporary scrutiny. It is important to remember that these filmmakers were not using computer generated images to create their effects; rather, they were forced to create from ingenuity, creating new techniques in cinematic art. The end result shows visual images that are still powerful and compelling.
The story is well told and excellently acted. Claude Rains stars as Dr. Griffin, the Invisible Man, and he does a superb job in his performance. He creates a convincing character of the scientist, who much like Victor Frankenstein, exhibits hubris in his research. He succeeds in finding the way to invisibility but goes insane as a result and becomes homicidal. The film ends with his character being chased down and killed, and before perishing, he admits he should not have explored forbidden areas of science. Again, this reinforces the theme earlier seen in Frankenstein.
Another interesting theme that is hinted at in this movie is the danger of drug abuse, as also show in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Dr. Griffin uses a drug identified as “monocane” in his formula, and the consequences are his becoming dangerously insane. While he does not use the drug as an addict might, he still ruins his life through its usage.
The film did well at the box office and is considered by many critics, including me, to be one of the best horror films of the 1930s.
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Reblogged this on Kim's Author Support Blog.
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Thank you!
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It does hold up after all those years!
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Yes, it certainly does, and thank you for the comment1
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Oh yes!
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I have never seen this movie, but after reading your blog it’s on my watch list!
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Thank you for your comment, and I hope you enjoy it.
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I think you will enjoy it.
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Thanks for sharing-will have to pick up a copy of the book and read it during the Christmas break. Thanks for rekindling an interest in the classic horror films/books.
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David,
You are very welcome!
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Wells and Verne were the twin pillars of my proto-steampunk middle school fantasies, and this was one of my favorite films!
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I also loved Wells and Verne at that age. Hmmm…maybe blog posts on this down the road.
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I had forgot about this gem. Claude Rains was outstanding. I remember thinking at the time I saw it how unusual it was to see Claude Rains in such a movie. His voice —remembering that he is invisible for a large chunk of time on film—is very impressive, and many times, frightening. Your right, Charles, the effects hold up well, even after all these years. This film is not shown nearly enough and I hope TCM takes note. Perfect fit for Halloween viewing.
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I agree with you, and I hope they do show it!
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I really have to see this. My colleague at Assholes Watching Movies and I are setting up a Frightfest for our office this halloween and this seems like a perfect addition to the festivities.
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It is a great choice.
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OH! I have forgotten about this one! Written by H.G. Wells! I’ll be darned!
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It is worth checking out.
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Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Here is another film in my horror movie series.
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I read this unusual horror story quite sometime ago and I really liked it. Isn’t there a quote about people with too much power? I sort of had empathy for him. He thought he had made a break through in science and he turned mad with power. Another great, insightful post, with great writing about this novel. K D 🙂
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Thank you so much!
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I read the book, but never seen this movie. Strange, I thought I saw a remake of this made in the 1990s or something, but I cannot find a reference to it on the Internet. And now there are rumours that Johnny Depp will star in the new version announced in 2016. Exciting!
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I had not heard that rumor.
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