Carl Laemmle's 1933 production of H.G. Wells' The Invisible Man is timeless classic horror film. The film has many elements that contribute to it's success such as a threatening monster as related to contemporary science and behavior, a complex discover plot and in my opinion, some social and political undertones. I'm providing my thoughts as an overview of the film based on the above mentioned characteristics.
The character of the Invisible Man (Jack) is depicted as a scientist who has unlocked the secret of cloaking himself as a result of injecting a chemical serum into his body. Over time, the serum dissolves his physical appearance and leaves him in a state of being invisible. However, as pointed out in the story by Jack's employer, who is also a scientist, the main ingredient used in this serum has a dangerous side effect of turning the recipient into a "mad individual" which is unknown to Jack. This side effect of Jack's behavior is observed by the audience and main characters throughout the film. Jack develops an insatiable urge for power and control and wants to conquer the world. As the story develops, Jack starts to kill and therefore becomes a "monster" as defined by N. Carroll. He is threatening and impure to society at large. This is demonstrated to the audience by the reactions and responses to Jack from the characters in the film. The characters are scared and threatened by Jack's presence and behavior which is intended to lead the audience to respond in a similar fashion which of course is the goal of a horror film.
The plot of The Invisible Man is a text book example of Gothic theme set in a small English village. Onset, or evidence of a monster (being that is not perceived to exist according to natural science) is deliberately proposed to the audience but withheld from the story characters for a short period during the story. Jack is introduced as a very mysterious and reclusive bandaged stranger who is seeking refuge at a local Inn during the off-season. All of the town people and the Inn owners are suspicious of Jack's presence and purpose. Discovery is accomplished when the Inn owner tries to evict Jack from his room. During this scene, Jack becomes violent and throws the Inn keeper down the stairs. As a result, the police are summon zed and Jack eventually reveals himself to the police and townspeople as an invisible man. They are all amazed and cannot believe their eyes as Jack unfolds his bandages and removes his clothes unveiling a dancing shirt. Jack leaves the Inn and town reeking havoc and amazement, only to arrive at his former co-worker's house demanding help and refuge whom which he latter kills. The confirmation stage is prolonged in this story as the local authorities have great difficulty in believing the reports and misbehavior of an Invisible Man. However, this belief is short lived as Jack returns to the Inn to collect his research notes. In doing so, he attacks the chief of police and kills him in disgust of the police chief's comments and disregard. This is the first of many murders in the story, thus lending itself to categorizing Jack as a monster. The rest of the film deals with the confrontation stage...how do we deal with an Invisible Monster? Many attempts and plans are considered in developing an effective plan to capture Jack.. However, it is the lonely old farmer that discovers a breathing noise in his barn that leads to Jack's demise. After reporting his findings to the police, the farmer is host to loosing his barn by fire in an attempt to run Jack out of his hiding. Jack is shot in the snow by the police as his footprints give him away. In the hospital, Jack's body returns to normal upon his death, thus mitigating the treat of a monster and his behavior. A typical Hollywood ending of this time.
As mentioned earlier, this film was produced in 1933, the height of the Great Depression. There are whimsical lines and humerus scenes provided by Jack throughout the film. I think this is a direct attempt by the director to add humor for the audience during this trying period in American society. Also, think there are underlying political tones. Specifically, the fact that the great Invisible Man who thinks that he is above mankind and superior to the human race is discovered by a simple, gentle farmer. Does this list the importance of working together as a society and not putting one-self before or above mankind? Another interesting factor that I observed in the film is that Jack thought his work and employer were inferior....making solutions to preserving food products and providing more surplus supplies to humanity. Jack worked endless hours to create his serum, only using his day job to help humanity, as a means to support his research.
Whatever your conclusion, I enjoyed watching this film with my family. I was specifically interested in my children's response to the film. Would they be Art-Horrified? Well, as it turned out, both Noah - 11, and Lydia - 9, stated that they thought the film was "Weird". As such, I enjoyed the film and had a different appreciation for the work as based on our evaluation and exploration during this course.
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