James Whales Invisible Man, how did they do it?? at DVinfo.net

Richard Grebby · July 27th, 2007, 04:46 AM

I was wondering, this film was made in 1933 and they manage to remove parts of the characters body. As he moves around the scene.

How did they manage to do this without the aid of greenscreen or hardcore programs?

Hope this is in the right forum.

Chris Carroll · July 31st, 2007, 11:57 AM

I'm not sure of this, but I have heard that they set up the stage illusion, 'Pepper's ghost', with a sheet of plate glass and fading lights for a couple of the invisibility scenes, and were able to get a few done in-camera. I do know that this was one of the techniques used often in very early 'trick film' motion pictures with transformations in them. Also, Michel Gondry, director of Science of Sleep and all those awesome Bjork videos uses the technique alot to very good effect.

Actually, I'm probably wrong about the Invisible Man, but I just love telling people about 'Pepper's Ghost'. There are some incredible stage-illusions and early cinematic techniques that deserve more recognition...

Andrew Kimery · July 31st, 2007, 02:01 PM

No green screen in those days but I guess black velvet will do.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Inv...pecial_Effects

-A

Kevin Randolph · July 31st, 2007, 07:07 PM

And here I thought they were pretty innovative putting Gary Sinise's legs in green stockings in Forest Gump. Turns out they were just copying an older technique. Who knew?

July 27th, 2007, 04:46 AM	#1
Richard Grebby Regular Crew Join Date: May 2007 Location: Kent, England Posts: 134	James Whales Invisible Man, how did they do it?? I was wondering, this film was made in 1933 and they manage to remove parts of the characters body. As he moves around the scene. How did they manage to do this without the aid of greenscreen or hardcore programs? Hope this is in the right forum. __________________ --Canon XL1-- http://www.richardgrebby.co.uk

July 31st, 2007, 11:57 AM	#2
Chris Carroll New Boot Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 9	Pepper's ghost I'm not sure of this, but I have heard that they set up the stage illusion, 'Pepper's ghost', with a sheet of plate glass and fading lights for a couple of the invisibility scenes, and were able to get a few done in-camera. I do know that this was one of the techniques used often in very early 'trick film' motion pictures with transformations in them. Also, Michel Gondry, director of Science of Sleep and all those awesome Bjork videos uses the technique alot to very good effect. Actually, I'm probably wrong about the Invisible Man, but I just love telling people about 'Pepper's Ghost'. There are some incredible stage-illusions and early cinematic techniques that deserve more recognition...

July 31st, 2007, 02:01 PM	#3
Andrew Kimery Major Player Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 352	No green screen in those days but I guess black velvet will do. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Inv...pecial_Effects -A Last edited by Andrew Kimery; July 31st, 2007 at 03:58 PM.

July 31st, 2007, 07:07 PM	#4
Kevin Randolph Major Player Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 423	And here I thought they were pretty innovative putting Gary Sinise's legs in green stockings in Forest Gump. Turns out they were just copying an older technique. Who knew? __________________ "... the drama is on your doorstep..." - John Grierson www.grvideo.net