A Government Employee’s Unseen Troubles

Read Time:3 Minute, 49 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Man Who Wasn't There (3-D)
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Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Year Released: 1983, 2023 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 51m
Director(s): Bruce Malmuth
Writer(s): Stanford Sherman
Cast: Steve Guttenberg, Jeffrey Tambor, Art Hindle, Lisa Langlois, William Forsythe, Morgan Most, Vincent Baggetta
Where To Watch: available now here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: THE MAN WHO WASN’T THERE takes us on a journey through government corridors, where Steve Guttenberg's character, Sam Cooper, stumbles upon an invisibility potion (it makes sense, trust me.) The film ambitiously tries to weave this unique concept with elements of humor and adventure. Despite its potential, it doesn't quite hit the mark, but it is not devoid of the moments that make it a fun ride.

In this film, the government's enigmatic halls become the backdrop for a story that promises laughter and suspense. Guttenberg's portrayal of Cooper, who suddenly finds himself invisible, should have been a recipe for hilarity and intrigue. However, the film could have used a little help to capitalize on its promising setup. The intended humor, which should form the story's backbone, seemed lacking, leaving the audience longing for a more refined comedic touch.

In his role, Guttenberg tries earnestly to breathe life into Cooper. Yet, he is hampered by a script that doesn’t quite delve into the deeper, more exciting aspects of being invisible. The on-screen chemistry between Guttenberg and his co-star, Lisa Langlois, who plays Cindy Worth, more often than not fizzles rather than sizzles, failing to draw the audience into their characters' emotional world.

On the visual front, THE MAN WHO WASN’T THERE ventures into the popular 80s resurgence of 3D, a decision that seems more gimmicky than groundbreaking. The 3D effects, instead of adding depth to the film, often come across as redundant, overshadowing what could have been a more engaging narrative. Feeling like one of those 3D films that no one was sure why it was made as a 3D film.

In exploring the theme of invisibility, THE MAN WHO WASN’T THERE opts for a safer route, treading along familiar narrative paths without offering much novelty or depth. The film skirts around potentially interesting ethical and philosophical aspects of invisibility but stops short of exploring them in any meaningful way. Ultimately, it ends up being an intriguing take; when you’ve seen so many invisible person films, you assume you know how things will play out, and this skirts that norm.

THE MAN WHO WASN’T THERE is a film that teases with a compelling premise but ultimately delivers a cinematic experience somewhere in the middle. Guttenberg’s performance, though committed, cannot overcome the film’s shortcomings in script and storytelling. This movie serves as a reminder that innovative ideas in cinema require solid execution to captivate and resonate with audiences. The film's quest for novelty demonstrates that even the most imaginative concepts need a strong narrative foundation to shine genuinely.

Product Extras:
Newly Restored in 3-D by 3-D Film Archive – From 4K Scans of the 35mm Original Camera Negative by Paramount Pictures
NEW Audio Commentary by Paul Corupe of Canuxploitation.com and Film Historian Jason Pichonsky
Theatrical Trailer (3-D / 2-D)
Includes the 2D, the BD3D Polarized, and Anaglyphic (Red/Cyan) 3-D Versions
Contains One Pair of Anaglyphic 3-D Glasses
Optional English Subtitles

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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