The Man Who Wasn't There

"The Man Who Wasn't There," a 1983 science fiction comedy film, is a classic 80s tinged interplay of off-beat humor, ethereal specters, and an unlikely protagonist who finds himself literally fading from existence.

The film stars Steve Guttenberg, known for his roles in other 80's hits such as "Short Circuit" and "Police Academy," as Sam Cooper, an bumbling State Department employee stationed in Washington D.C. His day to day life is humdrum and listless— a naïve, grey-suited cog in the bureaucratic machinery of the government.

While many of us might feel as though we're floating through our professional lives unseen, for Sam, it's not just a feeling. One day, he steps into an experimental invisibility machine invented by his scientist friend, played by Jeffrey Tambor of "Arrested Development' fame. Tambor's character provides an intellectual, albeit eccentric, energy that brilliantly contrasts with Sam's more subdued demeanor. This haphazard decision sets the wheels in motion for the adventure to come.

Post-experiment, Sam finds himself invisible and impulsively gets caught up in a series of exploits and misadventures. Thrust into the limelight, or rather the lack of it, Sam is confronted with the unique obstacles and unexpected perks that come with this new, invisible existence—a situation he navigates with Guttenberg's signature lovable clumsiness and comedic timing.

Art Hindle, known for his roles in classics like "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and "Black Christmas," plays Wilder, a hardened CIA agent who is suspicious of Sam's sudden disappearance and adds an antagonistic element to the narrative. He suspects espionage or defection, and his relentless pursuit of Sam visions plenty of intense cat-and-mouse dynamics.

"The Man Who Wasn't There" weaves an effective narrative that centers on unfulfilled personal desires, the desire for recognition and the human instinct for survival. It is not limited to mere comedic farce, but delves into the realms of introspective contemplation, a typical characteristic of the Coen brothers' filmography.

Director Bruce Malmuth, known for his work on "Nighthawks" and "Hard to Kill," expertly utilizes the 1980s era fascination with science, infusing the plot with an aura of madcap experimentation gone askew. While the film is a comedy at its core, it doesn't shy away from addressing thought provoking topics about identity and existence through its narrative.

Effects in the film, particularly the invisibility sequences, were bright spots during a time when computer-generated imagery was not prevalent. These special effects and other technical elements lend both humor and intrigue to Sam's spectral escapades. Guttenberg's comedic engagement, even when not physically seen on screen, is a testament to his charismatic screen presence.

The supporting cast, including Lisa Langlois as Cindy Worth, Sam's romantic interest, and Morgan Hart as Maddy, adds further depth to the narrative. The interactions between the invisible Sam and these characters offer a delightful combination of both humor and poignancy.

With its innovative premise, quirky humor, and brilliantly executed performances, "The Man Who Wasn't There" provides a unique lens into the human condition—erratic, absurd, and yet poignantly beautiful. This film merges the everyday with the extraordinary, crafting a narrative about invisibility and identity, laced with a healthy dose of humor and heart.

While "The Man Who Wasn't There" may not have profoundly impacted the sci-fi comedy genre nor garnered considerable commercial success, it holds a nostalgic soft spot for those who remember it. It is a quintessential 80s flick, blending sci-fi, comedy, and romance in an idiosyncratic mishmash that is both engaging and entertaining. The film is a fun, eccentric, and thought-provoking ride that leaves audiences with a unique perspective on what it might truly mean to be "unseen."