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Hollow Man

Starring: Kevin Bacon, Elisabeth Shue
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Genre: Thriller
Year: 2000
Rating: 2 / 5

Somewhere along the line, director Paul Verhoeven developed a reputation for being a visionary filmmaker. Some even use the term "genius" when referring to him. I would be lying if I suggested that his films do not entertain me, but I do not understand the origin of such praise. Some of his most noted films - like Basic Instinct and Total Recall - are certainly enjoyable diversions, but I do not believe Verhoeven is ready for any heavenly enshrining. A prime example of the typical Verhoeven feature is Hollow Man, the invisibility thriller starring Kevin "Full Frontal" Bacon. Visually stylish and containing some unbelievable special effects, Hollow Man nonetheless falls short of expectations, leaving the viewer with an empty feeling inside.

Sebastian Caine (Kevin Bacon) is a brilliant scientist whose lifelong ambition has been to uncover the secret of invisibility. As we learn early on in this film, turning someone invisible is "easy," but bringing him back is the difficult part. Working with ex-flame Linda McKay (Elisabeth Shue, who seems to have misplaced her career after Leaving Las Vegas) and her new love Matthew Kensington (Josh Brolin, whose career really never got started), Caine achieves a midnight breakthrough, finally uncovering the secret to making someone visible again. After a successful trial with a gorilla test subject, Caine decides that it is time for a human subject, and, of course, he volunteers himself.

The best laid plans of mice and men... After some initial complications, the team is able to turn Caine invisible, but bringing him back proves a little more precarious. After days of unsuccessful attempts to return Caine to his former self, the beleaguered scientist begins to reassess his situation. If his team cannot make him visible again, he might as well enjoy his current situation, right? What would you do if you were invisible? Caine engages in some predictable playful pranks before giving into some prepubescent male fantasies. Soon, though, he finds himself wanting more, and morality starts to take a backseat to his newfound power. Only one thing stands in the way now, and that is a group of scientists that can attest to his existence. If they were to be eliminated, however...

The premise of Hollow Man is certainly interesting, if not terribly original. The first hour is actually quite engrossing, but the special effects steal the show. The means by which the invisible Caine is revealed to us are astounding, ranging from innovative to spectacular. One scene in particular, which shows Caine's face amidst a cloud of smoke, is especially chilling. Alas, many good premises meet their downfall in the second act, and this film is no exception. Though Scream is four years old, this film assumes viewers are completely oblivious to all known horror cliches, practically insulting our intelligence. A clever plot deteriorates into rather formulaic fireworks and the standard villain-who-will-not-die theatrics. It is a shame that Hollow Man could not be more filling.

Cast:

Certification: Rated R for violence, language, and sexual situations.
Running Time: 121 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
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