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The movie revolves around Sebastian Caine, a scientist who experiments on animals by making them invisible with serums. The projects are great, which results in Caine himself asking the Board of Committee and the Government to create tests for invisible humans. He coaxes companions Linda McKay and her boyfriend Matthew Kensington, who are very skeptical about the transition. Everything goes well until Sebastian begins to descend into madness, claiming his transparency is a "gift" and often stalks his workers to see what happens next.
The movie isn't so bad, but the story borrows elements from one of H.G. Wells's story "The Invisible Man", with science fiction mixed into the plot. It is good to see a movie about a mad scientist involved in committing to a project that he thinks will change the world, only to use it for evil deeds later on.
The visual effects have caught my attention and have aged phenomenally in the past 15 years. Paul Verohoeven and the VFX team behind Hollow Man really did a great job taking a step further into the VFX with making Sebastian and some of the animals invisible. Surprisingly, it even got nominated for an Oscar for Best Visual Effects in 2001, which is something really big for horror movies like this.
But, there were some unnecessary footage that should have been taken out of the movie. Hence, the rape scene. I don't know if it was crucial to add some sort of sexually frustrated characteristic to Sebastian that either serves as a catalyst to the protagonist-turned-antagonist character or did the writers even considered adding more of an uncomfortable atmosphere?
Performances are great - Kevin Bacon does what is given with the mad scientist character, especially his transition from being so cocky and intelligent to a man with hostility and intimidation as a killer. Elisabeth Shue is bland in some parts, but still does fine as well. Josh Brolin does steal some scenes and is great in the supporting role as a scientist.
The writing and dialogue are fine, but could have been better if Sebastian wasn't too focused as a man who desperately wants to get back with Linda through unnecessary sexual behavior.
Paul Verohoeven does great with this movie, and is passionate with the other movies he has made (Starship Troopers, Robocop, etc.) and makes the story as interesting as possible. The cinematography is all right, with horror shots like seeing Sebastian's actions through his perspective and not giving away the location of the villain.
I would recommend this for people who enjoy classic sci-fi movies or people who are just in for the visual effects, discounting any one-dimensional acting or story.
