Loss of Feeling
Loss of Feeling

Movie spotlight

Loss of Feeling

1935
Movie
85 min
Russian

In an unnamed English-speaking capitalist land, a young engineer invents inexhaustible giant robots to replace the fragile human workers on high-volume assembly-lines, and soon finds his invention co-opted by the military-industrial complex.

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Director: Edgar G. UlmerGenres: Drama, Film-Noir

Plot Summary

A brilliant but unstable scientist, Dr. Mirakle, creates a serum that induces temporary paralysis and an inability to feel pain or emotion. He plans to use this serum to control the populace by selectively administering it. However, his experiments go awry when a desperate criminal seeks the serum for his own nefarious purposes, leading to a twisted game of cat and mouse.

Critical Reception

Loss of Feeling is a cult classic, often praised for its unique premise and atmospheric direction by Edgar G. Ulmer, despite its low budget and some narrative flaws. Béla Lugosi delivers a memorable performance as the driven scientist. It's a film that has gained appreciation over time for its noir sensibilities and dark themes.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unique and unsettling premise.

  • Edgar G. Ulmer's direction creates a strong noir atmosphere on a limited budget.

  • Béla Lugosi's performance is a highlight, bringing depth to a complex character.

Google audience: Audience reception is largely positive for its cult status, with many appreciating its dark themes and experimental nature for its time.

Fun Fact

Despite its dark themes and noir elements, Loss of Feeling was originally released as a B-movie, a common practice during the Golden Age of Hollywood where shorter films were paired with main features.

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