The Incredible Shrinking Man
Dir: Jack Arnold
1957
*****
Jack Arnold's The Incredible Shrinking Man is an astonishing film. Overlooked by many as just another 50's B-movie, The Incredible Shrinking Man has been hugely influential but not just in the sci-fi genre. The idea of someone shrinking is far more than just that, this film explores what it is to basically disappear, to be misunderstood, to become forgotten or overlooked, almost a fate worse than death. You could attach any number of social, political or religious context to the story but that is exactly what good sci-fi achieves. It asks many questions most aren't used to asking, the interpretation is wonderfully subjective and the film is entertaining throughout. The science is obviously fictitious but its is also quite convincing and the turn of events aren't half as fantastical as you'd expect from the title. It's a far out concept but is almost believable at the same time.This is Jack Arnold at his best  and that is saying something. It is a truly wonderful work of sci-fi and is an absolute classic. The last scene is so haunting and totally unexpected it left me stunned. Give me these old-school special effects over CGI any day of the week.