The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957)
Average Rating: 7.6/10
Reviews Counted: 17
Fresh: 15 | Rotten: 2
No consensus yet.
Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 3
Fresh: 2 | Rotten: 1
liked it
Average Rating: 3.7/5
User Ratings: 3,600
My Rating
Movie Info
The screen's great existential science fiction film, The Incredible Shrinking Man stars Grant Williams in the title role. While catching some rays on his brother's yacht, Scott Carey (Williams) is enveloped by a mysterious dark cloud. Soon after, he discovers that he's getting thinner -- and smaller. Despite the assuring attitude of his family doctor (the inevitable William Schallert), Scott is losing an inch's worth of height with each passing day. It is finally determined that he has developed
Feb 22, 1957 Wide
May 13, 2008
MCA Universal Home Video
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Cast
-
Grant Williams
Scott Carey -
Randy Stuart
Louise Carey -
April Kent
Clarice -
Paul Langton
Charlie Carey -
Raymond Bailey
Dr. Thomas Silver -
William Schallert
Dr. Arthur Bramson -
Frank J. Scannell
Barker -
Helene Marshall
Nurse -
Diana Darrin
Nurse -
Billy Curtis
Midget -
John Hiestand
TV Newscaster -
Lock Martin
Giant (cut) -
Regis Parton
Bit -
Luce Potter
Midget
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All Critics (18) | Top Critics (4) | Fresh (15) | Rotten (2) | DVD (2)
A moving, strangely pantheist assertion of what it really means to be alive. A pulp masterpiece.
Top CriticUnless a viewer is addicted to freakish ironies, the unlikely spectacle of Mr. Williams losing an inch of height each week will become tiresome before Universal has emptied its lab of science-fiction clichés.
The surreal intensity of outsize objects that loom as the hero shrinks is handled effectively, and the mystical happy ending is a better payoff than one would expect of the genre.
Earns its ponderous tone, and the final moments are as fitting as they are unexpected.
Notable for its relatively intelligent script, for some imaginatively amusing special effects, and for an existential streak which finally has our (tiny) hero pondering the meaning of existence.
Surprisingly provocative 50's sci-fi that goes beyond the thrilling spider battle
A pulp gem.
One of the landmark sci-fi efforts of the 1950s
One of the best s-f flicks of the 1950s. A tragic story that is exciting and touching.
Sparse direction allows the tension to build naturally so that the terror and poignancy of the story work their way into the audience's brain without being forced. A total classic.
Clever, but pretentious
All-time sci-fi classic.
The special effects and trick photography are cleverly done (for its time). Also, the story is intelligently handled.
Audience Reviews for The Incredible Shrinking Man
Super Reviewer
Super Reviewer
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- Scott Carey: To God, there is no zero. I still exist.
Discussion Forum
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Latest News on The Incredible Shrinking Man
February 13, 2013:
MGM Plans Shrinking Man RemakeAuthor Richard Matheson, who wrote the 1956 novel, is working on the screenplay with his son.
December 30, 2009:
National Film Registry Adds 2009 SelectionsThe National Film Registry has named its latest additions, including "The Incredible Shrinking Man,"...
April 18, 2008:
Brett Ratner, Incredible Shrinking DirectorBrett Ratner is in talks to direct an Eddie Murphy-led remake of The Incredible Shrinking Man.
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