Oc-Terror: The Invisible Man

   To most people, a monster is defined by it's features, or by the simple fact of it's inhuman nature. An aberration of nature, a man-made destructive force, or an otherworldly entity devoid of emotions or concerns other than it's own, many creatures we call monsters are inhuman by the simple fact that we can separate ourselves from the acts they do. But one of the many definitions of monster is "a person who excites wickedness, terror, cruelty or any other horrible sensations". So, in that right, the Invisible Man is truly a monster. But in calling him a monster, we cannot deny that he is still human. In truth, by making him invisible, we make him us. And when we can see ourselves doing what he does. And that reminds us that WE are capable of being monsters ourselves.

SYNOPSIS: A man, covered from head to toe and wrapped in bandages, approaches a snowy inn in the middle of winter. As his time at the inn progresses, the innkeeper's wife has suspicions about the man who demands complete solitude: that, if he's not crazy, then he's not really there. When the innkeeper gets enough courage and gathers people to deal with the renter, the truth comes out:. The man, Dr. Jack Griffin, is covered head to toe for one reason: he has devised a serum that renders someone or something completely invisible. The side effect, however, is that it drives the person who uses it irrevocably insane. And what is Griffin's psychoses? Megalomania. To spread havoc and mischief in his invisible footsteps. From his imperceptible wake, he seeks the total dominion over the world's governments, and over the abject fear of his reprisal upon the whole of Mankind.

WHAT MAKES THIS FILM WORK?:

    In an era defined by such legends as Bela Lugosi in Dracula and Boris Karloff in Frankenstein, Claude Rains as Dr. Jack Griffin stands as tall as the other Universal monsters, even though you only see his face in one part of the movie. This is a true "monster" movie, where, instead of the monster being twisted and despicable, instead you have the man who makes the monster reveal his evilness, even though that man is also the monster. And for it's time, the effects for Griffin's disrobing and revelation that he's invisible is done entire in one scene. It's incredible to think that the removal of Griffin's bandages and clothes in this version of the movie honestly stands up to most modern special effects we have happening in films today.

COSTUME RECOMMENDATION: Sophisticates, classic movie fans, people with varying skin conditions, and method actors or people who wish to severely confuse people as to who they really are.

    Regardless of gender or body type, the costuming rules for the Invisible Man/Woman are the same: Bandages with space to breath and see through, a simple dress shirt, a robe or trench-coat, slacks or dress pants, a pair of gloves, and sunglasses to cover the eye holes.If you have longer hair, you can leave it partially hanging out, playing at the fact that you might be wearing a wig. Another accessory you can wear is a fedora, especially if you go with the trench-coat instead of the robe. Shoes do not have to be specific, but I would recommend wearing some dress shoes or flats to complete the look. But if you DO wear flats, I would recommend some more bandages to cover your ankles.

    If you haven't seen the original Invisible Man, it is highly recommended you do so. His first role in an American production, Claude Rains went on to do some exemplary work, with roles in Casablanca, the Wizard of Oz, and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and accruing many Oscars over his career (back when they meant something). To catch him in his first breakout role, see him as Dr. Griffin in the Invisible Man. It will make you rethink about the way certain people (including a certain Insano we all know and love) portray monsters in a new light. If you already have seen it, you know it's worth watching. And with the season upon us, it might be time to revisit the classics.

    When next we meet, you pray to God your name isn't Gonzales. For there's a man after you! A man by the name of Cash Cash. And he's coming with guns a-blazing! Next time, in Oc-Terror, we're covering Blood, Bullets, and a Fistful of Ca$h!