The Incredible Shrinking Man

The Incredible Shrinking Man is a 1950s B movie with an A+ premise. Like many other great science fiction films, it uses a deceptively simple concept to explore some decidedly rich territory, both narratively and thematically. In this case, the plot revolves around a man named Scott Carey who finds himself shrinking smaller and smaller due to an accidental exposure to radiation (what else, this being the 1950s). Bolstered by an intelligent script and impressive special effects (with a few dodgy ones thrown in for good measure), Scott’s terrifying descent into obscurity is just as psychologically and thematically resonant as it is viscerally entertaining, and that’s what makes this such a standout sci-fi film. As Scott’s size diminishes, the seemingly harmless domestic world in which he lives becomes increasingly more dangerous: a pet cat becomes a threatening monster, a water heater leak becomes a dangerous flood, and an everyday basement becomes an ominous cavern. Meanwhile, Scott’s voiceover invites us to ponder the existential ramifications of his plight, as the film explores themes of masculinity, hierarchical power structures, and ultimately, how we define our place in the universe. The Incredible Shrinking Man manages to ask some pretty big questions while simultaneously entertaining us with a unique survival adventure story, and that’s what makes it one of the best B-movies ever created.

Saw this a few times as a kid. To me this is the original of all the"shrinking movies" . But unlike it's imitators this movie is a drama and not a comedy. It is told as a narrative by the man who is shrinking. It is certainly worth a rent. But be ready for B&W.