H.G. Wells, born in 1866, was a prolific writer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Known for his spellbinding science fiction novels, Wells has been held in high regard for his ability to envision futuristic concepts with great clarity.
Among his most renowned works is ‘The Invisible Man’, a captivating tale of a scientist whose experiments lead him to a state of invisibility.
Written in 1897, ‘The Invisible Man’ is more than just a science fiction novel. Wells uses the concept of invisibility to delve into the darker aspects of human nature, revealing the potential dangers of unchecked power and the isolation it can lead to.
The novel is a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of the human condition, with invisibility serving as a metaphor for alienation and the desire for power and control.
‘The Invisible Man’ has stood the test of time, proving to be a fascinating read for generations, and has been adapted into various forms of media over the years.
One of the most recent and popular adaptations is the 2020 film by Leigh Whannell.
Comprehensive Book Summary of ‘The Invisible Man’
‘The Invisible Man’ tells the story of a gifted yet troubled scientist, Griffin, who discovers a method to make himself invisible.
With visions of utilizing this new-found power for his own gain, Griffin embarks on a journey that soon spirals out of control.
The inability to reverse his condition, coupled with the terrifying freedom it offers, drives him to increasingly desperate and dangerous actions.
Griffin takes refuge in a small village where his odd habits and reclusive behaviour raise suspicions among the villagers.
As he grapples with his condition, his sanity begins to unravel, leading to a series of violent incidents.
The climax of the story sees Griffin’s downfall, as the villagers, led by his former friend Kemp, rise against him.
The novel ends with Griffin’s death, leaving the reader to ponder on the destructive potential of power without responsibility.
Throughout the narrative, Wells explores themes such as morality, isolation, and the ethics of scientific discovery.
‘The Invisible Man’ is a chilling tale that engages readers with its gripping plot and profound philosophical questions.
Introduction to Leigh Whannell and his 2020 Adaptation
Leigh Whannell, born in 1977, is a prominent figure in the world of modern cinema.
He has made a name for himself as a screenwriter, director, and actor, particularly within the horror genre.
Whannell is perhaps best known for his work on the ‘Saw’ and ‘Insidious’ franchises.
In 2020, Whannell offered his unique interpretation of H.G. Wells’ ‘The Invisible Man’. This adaptation deviates from the original story, introducing a new narrative that incorporates elements of psychological horror and suspense.
Whannell’s ‘The Invisible Man’ provides a fresh take on the classic tale, focusing on the experiences of Cecilia Kass, a woman tormented by her abusive ex-partner who has found a way to become invisible.
Movie Summary of ‘The Invisible Man’ 2020 version
In Leigh Whannell’s adaptation, Cecilia Kass escapes from her controlling and abusive boyfriend, Adrian Griffin, a wealthy optics engineer.
After Adrian’s apparent suicide, Cecilia begins to experience strange occurrences that lead her to believe Adrian is not dead but has found a way to become invisible and torment her.
As the invisible Adrian continues his psychological warfare, Cecilia’s life spirals into chaos. She is framed for crimes she didn’t commit and isolated from her loved ones.
The climax of the film sees Cecilia confronting Adrian, leading to a tense showdown.
Whannell’s film ends on a note of ambiguity, leaving viewers to question the reality of what they have witnessed.
Parent guide to ‘The Invisible Man’
Though ‘The Invisible Man’ is a science fiction thriller, it explores mature themes and features scenes of violence, making it suitable for viewers aged 15 and above.
It delves into issues of domestic abuse and psychological manipulation, which may be disturbing for younger viewers.
Parents should exercise caution and consider the film’s themes when deciding if it is appropriate for their children.
‘The Invisible Man’: When and Where it Takes Place
The original novel by H.G. Wells takes place in late 19th-century England, with much of the action occurring in a small village called Iping.
Leigh Whannell’s film adaptation, however, is set in the present day, primarily in the city of San Francisco, California.
The film locations of ‘The Invisible Man’
Leigh Whannell’s ‘The Invisible Man’ was filmed in various locations around Sydney, Australia, despite being set in San Francisco.
Key locations include the stunning, modernist mansion that serves as Adrian Griffin’s house, and the dense forest where Cecilia makes her dramatic escape in the film’s opening scene.
‘Who’s Who’ in ‘The Invisible Man’
In the novel, key characters include the protagonist Griffin, his former friend Kemp, and the various villagers of Iping.
In Whannell’s film, the main characters are Cecilia Kass, played by Elisabeth Moss, her abusive ex-boyfriend Adrian Griffin, played by Oliver Jackson-Cohen, and her supportive sister, Emily, played by Harriet Dyer.
Memorable Quotes from ‘The Invisible Man’
Both the novel and the film are filled with memorable quotes.
In the novel, Griffin says, “I went over the heads of the things a man reckons desirable.” In the film, a haunting line from Adrian is, “Surprise.”
The Soundtrack by Benjamin Wallfisch: A Deep Dive
The soundtrack for ‘The Invisible Man’ 2020 film was composed by Benjamin Wallfisch.
3Wallfisch’s score is a crucial element of the film, amplifying the tension and creating an unsettling atmosphere that perfectly complements the story’s themes of fear and manipulation.
Curiosities about ‘The Invisible Man’
One curiosity about ‘The Invisible Man’ is that H.G. Wells was inspired by Plato’s ‘The Republic’, where the legend of the Ring of Gyges discusses the concept of invisibility.
In the film, a notable curiosity is the use of empty space in many scenes, serving to create the feeling that the invisible Adrian could be anywhere.
Tips for Cosplay: Dressing like Characters from ‘The Invisible Man’
For those interested in cosplaying characters from ‘The Invisible Man’, the key is simplicity.
For Griffin, a bandaged face and dark glasses would suffice.
For Cecilia, a simple wardrobe reflecting her everyday style, coupled with a look of constant terror, would work well.
H.G. Wells: A Brief Biography and Overview of Works
H.G. Wells was an extraordinarily prolific author, known not only for his science fiction works but also for his contributions to other genres.
His other famous works include ‘The War of the Worlds’, ‘The Time Machine’, and ‘The Island of Dr. Moreau’.
Explaining the Ending of ‘The Invisible Man’
Both the novel and the film end on a note of tragedy, with Griffin’s death in the book and Adrian’s death in the movie.
However, the circumstances are vastly different, reflecting the different themes and perspectives of the two works.
The Remake, Sequel, and Spin-off of ‘The Invisible Man’
There have been numerous adaptations, remakes, and sequels of ‘The Invisible Man’ over the years, across various forms of media.
This includes the 1933 film adaptation, the 1984 British television series, and the 2000 American-Canadian science fiction series.
Other media by Leigh Whannell: A Look at His Portfolio
Apart from ‘The Invisible Man’, Leigh Whannell has worked on numerous other successful projects, including the ‘Saw’ franchise, the ‘Insidious’ series, and the 2018 science fiction action film ‘Upgrade’.
Similar Media to ‘The Invisible Man’
If you enjoyed ‘The Invisible Man’, you might also like other works of science fiction and psychological horror, such as ‘The War of the Worlds’ by H.G. Wells, ‘Psycho’ by Alfred Hitchcock, or ‘Get Out’ by Jordan Peele.
Other Noteworthy Works by H.G. Wells
Apart from ‘The Invisible Man’, H.G. Wells has written several other noteworthy science fiction novels, including ‘The War of the Worlds’, ‘The Time Machine’, ‘The Island of Dr. Moreau’, and ‘The Shape of Things to Come’.
Book Club Questions for ‘The Invisible Man’
For those interested in discussing ‘The Invisible Man’ in a book club setting, some discussion questions might include: What themes does Wells explore through the concept of invisibility? How does Griffin’s character evolve throughout the novel? How does the novel comment on the ethics of scientific discovery?
Video Games Inspired by ‘The Invisible Man’
The concept of invisibility has intrigued game developers as much as it has authors and filmmakers.
There are several video games inspired by ‘The Invisible Man’, including ‘The Invisible Hours’, a VR-based narrative-driven game, and ‘Invisible, Inc.’, a turn-based tactics game.
A Travel Guide to Visit ‘The Invisible Man’ Locations
While visiting the actual locations from ‘The Invisible Man’ might prove difficult due to the fictional nature of Iping and the fact that the film was shot in Australia but set in San Francisco, fans can still visit places associated with H.G. Wells.
This includes his birthplace in Bromley, England, and the H.G. Wells Centre in Woking, England.
Conclusion
Both H.G. Wells’ ‘The Invisible Man’ and Leigh Whannell’s 2020 adaptation offer captivating explorations of the concept of invisibility.
Through their unique narratives and perspectives, they provide intriguing insights into the human condition, making them both enduring works of their respective genres.
Whether you’re a fan of classic literature, a fan of modern horror, or simply a fan of engaging storytelling, ‘The Invisible Man’ is well worth delving into.
