The Movie The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957)
A Classic Science Fiction Film From the 1950s
Science fiction films, a mainstay of the 1930s, gained renewed popularity in the 1950s. It was during this decade that the genre was often used to create Cold War parables; express concerns about the new Atomic Age and its effect upon civilization; and/or contemplating man’s place in the universe.
An example of this last theme is the Universal science-fiction movie, The Incredible Shrinking Man, which was based on a book by Richard Matheson.
The Book The Shrinking Man by Richard Matheson
In 1956 the short novel The Shrinking Man was published. Written by the horror, fantasy, and science fiction author, Richard Matheson, the story begins with its one inch tall narrator trapped in his own basement, starving and fearful of his surroundings. Through a series of flashbacks, the reader learns how he came to be in his present predicament.
The book’s main theme was existentialism -- the analysis of the shrinking role of man's existence in an expanding and unfathomable universe -- with a strong sexual sub theme. In 1957 Universal decided on a film adaptation of the book, keeping its major premise and eliminating the sexual aspects of the original story.
Details and Synopsis of the Movie The Incredible Shrinking Man
- Cast: Grant Williams, Randy Stuart, April Kent, Paul Langton
- Director: Jack Arnold
- Length: 81 minutes
- Color: B&W
- Company: Universal
While boating, Scott Carey (Grant Williams) passes through a strange, apparently radioactive, cloud. A few months afterwards, he notices that he is not only losing weight but also shrinking in height. He turns to doctors for help.
When his condition first becomes publicly known, Carey revels in his new found fame and decides to write his memoirs. However, as it becomes more apparent that medical science cannot reverse his shrinking, he becomes angry and isolated from his wife, brother, friends, and society in general.
Finally, atom-sized and completely alone, Carey comes to terms with no longer being part of his old world. Instead, he accepts his fate and journeys into the new world of the unknown.
In a voiceover at the end (the only dialogue in the movie’s last 30 minutes), the shrinking man declares: “My fears melted away, and in their place came...acceptance. All this vast majesty of creation - it had to mean something. And then I meant something too. Yes, smaller than the smallest, I meant something, too. To God, there is no zero. I STILL EXIST!"
Analysis of the Movie The Incredible Shrinking Man
The hard science in this film is suspect, but that doesn’t matter. The major theme of man's role in the universe makes the viewer forgive the scientific flaws. Director Jack Arnold, known for directing many 1950s and 1960s science fiction movies, does a nice job working with an excellent script (co-authored by Matheson), a low budget, and B level actors.
The special effects, mainly created by using oversized sets and trick photography, are excellent, especially considering the time period. They are particularly outstanding in the closing half-hour when Carey battles a gigantic cat, a “flood,” and then an elephant-sized spider.
This movie is strong evidence that a B picture with obscure actors can still become a classic. Grant Williams as Scott Carey, Randy Stuart as his intelligent, patient wife, Louise, and Paul Langton as his brother, Charlie (whose concern for Scott may actually be based on his desire for Louise), all give excellent performances.
April Kent in a small role as the circus performer, Clarice, who tries to teach Carey that he is capable of living a full life, is also good. Ms Kent was the daughter of actress June Havoc and was, herself, a midget.
Besides its major existential theme, The Incredible Shrinking Man has also been seen as an anti-nuclear statement or as a metaphor for man’s struggle to deal with aging and death (Henderson, C. J., The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction Movies, 2001, p.187).
The Incredible Shrinking Man Remakes
There have been no actual remakes of the movie, although one is reported in the works for 2010. The closest movies to it, so far, are The Incredible Shrinking Woman (1981) and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989). Both of these movies are actually spoofs of the original.
The Incredible Shrinking Man DVD
The only known DVD of the movie is to be found as part of a ten film collection, The Classic Sci-Fi Ultimate Collection, Vols. 1 & 2. This set is available through several sellers.
Related Articles: Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Movie The Thing From Another World
Movie Poster by Shawn Michaels
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Film & TV
Latest Articles