The Human Vapor

The Human Vapor is a Japanese science fiction film directed by Ishirō Honda and released in 1960. It stars Tatsuya Mihashi, Kaoru Yachigusa, and Yoshio Tsuchiya, showcasing them in a narrative that interweaves themes of love, crime, and the supernatural within a dramatic and thrilling storyline. The film is a distinctive entry into the special effects-laden genre pictures of the time, known in Japan as tokusatsu, which also includes famous series like Godzilla and Mothra.

The narrative of The Human Vapor revolves around an extraordinary phenomenon involving a librarian named Fujimura, played by Yoshio Tsuchiya. Fujimura is a quiet, inconspicuous man, deeply devoted to diligent study and the pursuit of knowledge. His life is forever changed when he volunteers for a hazardous scientific experiment that goes disastrously wrong. The failed experiment transforms Fujimura into a human vapor—a man who can turn into gas at will—an ability that grants him powers akin to invisibility and invincibility, but with profound consequences for his human form and emotional state.

As the film unfolds, this transformation profoundly impacts Fujimura's outlook and sends him on a path that deeply intertwines with the lives of two other central characters. The first is the graceful dancer, Keiko, portrayed by Kaoru Yachigusa. She is elegant and talented, and her character reflects the struggle of an artist trying to follow her passion amidst a challenging socio-economic climate. The second central character is detective Okamoto, played by Tatsuya Mihashi, who becomes determined to unravel the mysteries behind an unsettling string of heists that seem to be linked to the peculiar abilities of the human vapor.

The film explores the human condition, emotions, and resilience through Fujimura's transformation into the human vapor. On one hand, he is empowered with a nearly god-like ability, while on the other, he endures an existential crisis. His character must grapple with his own sense of humanity, conscience, and the alienating aspects of his new existence. The romantic elements in the film are emphasized through Fujimura's strong affection for Keiko, which drives many of his actions and adds layers of depth to his character, showcasing the lengths an individual might go for love.

The Human Vapor is also a tale of suspense and criminal drama, with Fujimura using his abilities for a series of bank heists, which are at first perplexing and seemingly unsolvable due to their inexplicable nature. These sequences are where the film's special effects come to the forefront, with moments that are atmospheric and suspenseful, as the invisible Fujimura moves through the physical world.

Detective Okamoto stands opposed to Fujimura's criminal activities, bringing forward elements of a classic cat-and-mouse game. His mission becomes not only to stop the human vapor but also to understand the motives behind the crimes. The investigation requires delving into the realms of advanced and speculative science, and the film does not shy away from engaging with the theories and ethical dilemmas of the science fiction genre.

Director Ishirō Honda, known for his work with giant monster movies, infuses The Human Vapor with the same attention to spectacle, special effects, and elaborate set pieces. However, he balances these attributes with a focus on the human story and emotional journey of Fujimura. The interdisciplinary approach to storytelling in The Human Vapor includes elements of horror, as the protagonist embodies both a haunted and haunting figure, a dramatic sense of romance, and a crime thriller's tension.

Cinematography and production design are notable elements of The Human Vapor, with scenes crafted to juxtapose the ordinary daily life against the fantastical occurrences stemming from Fujimura's powers. The film's score further complements the atmosphere, oscillating between suspenseful crescendos during the heist scenes and more subdued, emotive passages during the more introspective moments.

In summary, The Human Vapor is a fascinating blend of genres that explores the implications of scientific advancement and the underlying humanity within us all. The film's characters are crafted with complexity, caught in a web of ethical dilemmas, romantic entanglements, and existential questions that continue to resonate. The movie's enduring appeal lies in this rich tapestry of human experiences, artfully combined with the imaginative potential of science fiction.