Films about an invisible man typically explore the themes of power, isolation, and the human psyche, often rooted in science fiction and horror genres. These films play with the idea of someone gaining the ability to become invisible and the subsequent consequences of such a power, whether used for personal gain, revenge, or survival. The invisibility aspect frequently serves as a metaphor for deeper issues such as identity, ethics, and the nature of humanity itself. Below are some films that delve into the intriguing concept of an invisible man, each offering a unique take on this fascinating premise.
“The Invisible Woman”, 2012
Director: Ralph Fiennes
A comedic take on the invisible man theme, directed by A. Edward Sutherland, where a scientist makes a model invisible, leading to light-hearted shenanigans.
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Felicity Jones, Kristin Scott Thomas, Tom Hollander, John Kavanagh, Tom Attwood, Susanna Hislop, Tom Burke, Tommy Curson-Smith, David Collings;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 111 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,1;
“Invisible Agent”, 1942
Director: Edwin L. Marin
Directed by Edwin L. Marin, this film combines World War II espionage with the invisibility concept. The grandson of the original Invisible Man uses his invisibility to fight Nazis.
Starring: Ilona Massey, Jon Hall, Peter Lorre, Cedric Hardwicke, J. Edward Bromberg, Albert Bassermann, John Litel, Holmes Herbert, Keye Luke, Sven Hugo Borg;
Production year: 1942;
Genre: science fiction, melodrama, comedy, adventure, war;
Duration: 81 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6;
More information about the film “Invisible Agent” on the website imdb.com
“The Invisible Man's Revenge”, 1944
Director: Ford Beebe
A darker installment directed by Ford Beebe. A man wronged by friends becomes invisible and seeks vengeance.
Starring: Jon Hall, Leon Errol, John Carradine, Alan Curtis, Evelyn Ankers, Gale Sondergaard, Lester Matthews, Halliwell Hobbes, Leyland Hodgson, Doris Lloyd;
Production year: 1944;
Genre: horror, science fiction;
Duration: 78 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,7;
More information about the film “The Invisible Man's Revenge” on the website imdb.com
“Memoirs of an Invisible Man”, 1992
Director: John Carpenter
Directed by John Carpenter, this film stars Chevy Chase as a man who becomes invisible after a freak accident and is pursued by government agents.
Starring: Chevy Chase, Daryl Hannah, Sam Neill, Michael McKean, Stephen Tobolowsky, Jim Norton, Pat Skipper, Paul Perri, Richard Epcar, Steven Barr;
Production year: 1992;
Genre: science fiction, thriller, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 99 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6;
More information about the film “Memoirs of an Invisible Man” on the website imdb.com
“Hollow Man”, 2000
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Directed by Paul Verhoeven, this film features a scientist, played by Kevin Bacon, who becomes dangerously obsessed with his newfound invisibility, leading to a horrifying descent into madness.
Starring: Kevin Bacon, Elisabeth Shue, Josh Brolin, Kim Dickens, Greg Grunberg, Joey Slotnick, Mary Randle, William Devane, Rhona Mitra, Pablo Espinosa;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: horror, science fiction;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,8;
More information about the film “Hollow Man” on the website imdb.com
“The Invisible”, 2007
Director: David S. Goyer
A supernatural thriller directed by David S. Goyer. This film follows a teenager who, after being attacked and left for dead, finds himself trapped in a ghostly limbo where no one can see or hear him.
Starring: Justin Chatwin, Margarita Levieva, Marcia Gay Harden, Christopher Rodriguez Marquette, Alex O'Loughlin, Callum Keith Rennie, Michelle Harrison, Ryan Kennedy, Andrew Francis, P. Lynn Johnson;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: fantasy, thriller, drama, crime, detective;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,1;
More information about the film “The Invisible” on the website imdb.com
“The Invisible Man”, 2020
Director: Leigh Whannell
Directed by Leigh Whannell, this modern retelling focuses on a woman who believes she is being stalked and terrorized by her abusive and wealthy ex-boyfriend, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to become invisible. This film critically explores themes of domestic abuse and surveillance.
Starring: Elisabeth Moss, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Harriet Dyer, Aldis Hodge, Storm Reid, Michael Dorman, Benedict Hardie, Renee Lim, Brian Meegan, Nick Kici;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: science fiction, thriller, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 124 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “The Invisible Man” on the website imdb.com
Each of these films provides a unique perspective on the concept of invisibility, its implications, and the human condition, making the invisible man a captivating subject for filmmakers and audiences alike.
In conclusion, films about the invisible man have not only managed to captivate audiences with their thrilling narratives but also explore the profound depths of human nature, morality, and the often-blurred lines between good and evil. From the pioneering special effects of the early adaptations to the nuanced storytelling in modern renditions, these films have evolved to reflect contemporary societal issues, technological fears, and the timeless allure of the unseen. They serve as mirrors to our collective psyche, exposing our innate fascination with the power of invisibility and its ultimate consequences. As cinematic technology advances and narrative approaches become ever more sophisticated, the future of invisible man films promises to continue this legacy of intrigue, introspection, and the eternal question of what we would do if we could remain unseen.
