Year: 1933
Director: James Whale
Country: US
Language: English
Boris Karloff (Frankenstein) had been Universal's original choice for the role of the Invisible Man. He turned it down because he would not be seen on screen until the end. Although his character would be onscreen for 95% of the picture, the actor would not. Director James Whale wanted someone with more of an "intellectual" voice than Karloff. He selected Claude Rains after accidentally hearing Rains' screen test being played in another room. Rains proved to be a great choice.
In this Universal horror, a scientist (Claude Rains) finds a way of becoming invisible, but in doing so, he becomes murderously insane.
Rains does an amazing job taking a role that doesn’t require him to be on-screen, and creating a character you believe you can feel and visualize. He takes his extensive theater acting (this was his first sound film) and applies that here with grace and ease. The role requires his clear, eloquent voice and broad theatrical gestures. Rains mannerisms make certain scenes utterly disturbing. Case in point, the moment where he reveals himself to the inhabitants of the inn is unsettling as he rapidly rips off the bandages while maniacally laughing.
The allusions to big brother and George Orwell's 1984 are quite apparent here; there are always invisible eyes watching over us and manipulating our moves. Though World War Two was years away, Invisible Man makes great attempt at getting over an anti-war message its audience. The movie does have a few plot points that are a bit troublesome (since when does invisibility mean super strength? or the ability to walk in the rain undetected?) but overall it's quite fascinating.
A chilling tale based on the imagination of H.G. Wells, Invisible Man works thanks to the ingenious direction of James Whale and the remarkable acting of Claude Rains. Add a dash of witty dialogue and some remarkable practical special effects and you've got quite the evening!
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