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A
MOVIE THAT IS NOT 'HOLLOW' IN ITSELF...
Written
by Thomas
Chau
Cast:
Kevin Bacon, Elizabeth Shue, Josh Brolin, Kim Dickens
 (out
of 4)
From
"The Hollow Man", audiences will receive everything
they expect from this controversial director of "Basic
Instinct" and "Showgirls". "Hollow
Man" isn't going to change your opinion of Paul
Verhoeven: You're either going to love it or hate it
based on your preconceptions.
"The
Hollow Man" takes on a different turn from Verhoeven's
previous films and other films that have dealt with
the notion of god-like powers. Interestingly enough,
Kevin Bacon's character doesn't start out as the villain:
In fact, one might see him as a hero in the beginning.
But
what the film does well is that it gradually shows how
one can be changed should he/she be given the opportunity
to essentially, do anything to that person's desire
without suffering the consequences. Kevin Bacon plays
the over-acheiving Sebastian Caine, who has successfully
(with the help of his team) developed a formula of turning
mammals and other animals invisible. The problem is
that the reappearing formula has some bugs with it.
Caine becomes increasingly disturbed with his incompetence,
both professionally and personally. Elizabeth Shue,
who plays Linda, is a member of Sebastian's team but
also happens to be an ex-girlfriend of his. When Sebastian
tries to win Linda over again, he realizes that he is,
in a sense, "hollow" inside.
As
Sebastian explores his new ability, the script does
a terrific job of asking the question "What would
somebody do with such power?" Sebastian does not
have a malicious mind-set to begin with. But as he becomes
increasingly frustrated with his own work and his personal
life, he simply "snaps" and becomes this villain
that you absolutely hate, yet actually have some sympathy
for.
The
movie is also complemented by some tremendous and memorable
special effects scenes. Some of them are disturbing;
others are just plain cool. Nevertheless, hats off to
the production team for creating such a realistic portrayal
of an invisible man.
A
creative story, dazzling effects, and gorgeous women...isn't
that what the summer box-office is all about?
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