Cast
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Crew
Director
- Robert Stevenson
Producer
- Michael Balcon
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Boris Karloff ("Dr. Laurience") is once again in well trodden guise as a scientist - long shunned by his peers for ideas none too ethical. He employs Anna Lee ("Dr. Wyatt") as his assistant, despite her being advised against it by colleagues and her rather wooden beau John Loder ("Dick Haslewood"), himself a budding reporter on a newspaper owned by his wealthy father "Lord Haslewood" (Frank Cellier). Karloff meets and manages to work his charms on the father, getting him to fund his fantastic scientific experiments aimed at mind transfer in return for exclusive publishing rights. Of course it doesn't go to plan for Karloff, and when his backer loses faith he must act - and test his theories for real! Robert Stevenson knew how to get the most from Karloff. His maniacal, almost demonic, expressions as he becomes even more obsessed with his project are enjoyable to watch. Lee is decent as the aide - much less of the damsel-in-distress hysterics as the story hots up; and the last twenty minutes is quickly paced with plenty going on. It's only an hour, and it doesn't hang about - it packs a lot in and the gadgets burr and wheeze, indeed the effects are quite decent. Will he get away with it, well....?
Jun 19, 2022
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Science Fiction film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Man Who Changed His Mind presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Robert Stevenson brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1936, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Man Who Changed His Mind took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 66 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 118 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2288 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 72 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1936, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Man Who Changed His Mind shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Silent Hill, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Man Who Changed His Mind offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Re-Animator and Ilsa: She Wolf of the SS explore similar territory, The Man Who Changed His Mind stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 11, 1936
- Runtime: 1h 6m
Where to Watch
