Memoirs of an Invisible Man (film)
A failed comedy-drama about an invisible stock analyst.
John Carpenter directed this 1992 sci-fi film starring Chevy Chase, Daryl Hannah, Sam Neill, Michael McKean, and Stephen Tobolowsky. It loosely adapts H.F. Saint's 1987 novel. The project was originally set for Ivan Reitman, but creative clashes between Reitman and Chase killed that version. The finished movie bombed with critics and at the box office.
Quick Facts
- Director
- John Carpenter
- Producer
- Bruce Bodner; Dan Kolsrud
- Screenplay
- Robert Collector
- Dana Olsen
- William Goldman
- Based on
- Memoirs of an Invisible Man, H. F. Saint
- Starring
- Chevy Chase
- Daryl Hannah
- Sam Neill
- Michael McKean
- Stephen Tobolowsky
- Music
- Shirley Walker
- Cinematography
- William A. Fraker
- Editing
- Marion Rothman
Facts from the source article.
Plot
Nick Halloway, a San Francisco stock analyst who avoids responsibility and connections, meets TV documentary producer Alice Monroe at his favorite bar. They share an instant attraction and set a lunch date. The next morning, a hungover Nick attends a shareholders' meeting at Magnascopic Laboratories. He leaves to nap, and a lab technician accidentally spills coffee onto a computer console, causing a meltdown that renders much of the building invisible, including Nick.
CIA operative David Jenkins arrives and discovers Nick's condition. While being transferred to an ambulance, agents joke about Nick being studied for life, prompting him to flee. Jenkins convinces his supervisor Warren Singleton not to notify headquarters so they can capture Nick for use as a secret agent. Nick hides at the Academy Club and asks Dr. Bernard Wachs for help reversing his condition.
Wachs agrees but is killed by Jenkins to keep Nick's invisibility secret. Nick infiltrates CIA headquarters to find leverage against them. Jenkins tries to recruit Nick, but Nick refuses and escapes after a confrontation.
Production
In 1986, Harry F. Saint's novel was still incomplete when a Hollywood agent passed it to Chevy Chase, who quickly became interested. This triggered a bidding war, and Warner Bros. secured the film rights for $1.35 million. William Goldman was hired to write the screenplay in the mid-1980s, with Ivan Reitman set to direct. It was Goldman's first script after a dry spell he called his "leper" period; he credited his comeback to representation by CAA.
The project was largely a vanity effort driven by Chase, who wanted to explore the loneliness of invisibility as a move into more serious roles. Goldman completed three drafts, and Warner Bros. was ready to greenlight the film, but Chase disliked the script. Reitman wanted to move forward, but the studio sided with Chase, leading Reitman to leave. Goldman also departed, reportedly telling Chase he was too old and too rich to deal with the situation.
Goldman later said he had no memory of that remark but had read it in a magazine, adding that it would be neat if it were true. He also claimed studio head Mark Canton did not pay him in full, prompting Goldman to file a lawsuit.
Reception
The film debuted at No. 2 at the box office and grossed $14,358,033. It received mostly negative responses from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 30% approval rating based on 37 reviews, with the critical consensus stating that the intriguing cast and groundbreaking special effects cannot compensate for the pedestrian script. Metacritic gives a weighted average score of 48 out of 100 based on 19 critics, indicating mixed or average reviews.
Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of B. Roger Ebert wrote that the plot is lazy and conventional, and that what is good involves Chase and Hannah working out the logistical problems of their strange relationship. Desson Howe of The Washington Post called the film an identity crisis, noting that the previews suggested a zany comedy but the jokes are too few, and questioning why John Carpenter directed it if it wanted to be serious.
Bill Chambers of Film Freak Central wrote that Carpenter's use of effects makes the film worth seeing, particularly the raindrop scene. In 2023, John Carpenter said the film gave him a chance to make a quasi-serious movie, but described the experience as a horror show and said he wanted to quit the business after it.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Memoirs of an Invisible Man (film) released?
Memoirs of an Invisible Man was released on 28 February 1992.
Who composed the music for Memoirs of an Invisible Man (film)?
The music for Memoirs of an Invisible Man was composed by Shirley Walker.
Who wrote Memoirs of an Invisible Man (film)?
Memoirs of an Invisible Man was written by Robert Collector, Dana Olsen and William Goldman.
How long is Memoirs of an Invisible Man (film)?
Memoirs of an Invisible Man has a running time of 99 minutes.
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