The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957) Closing Monologue

The Closing Monologue from the science fiction classic, The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957).

"I was continuing to shrink, to become... what? The infinitesimal? What was I? Still a human being? Or was I the man of the future? If there were other bursts of radiation, other clouds drifting across seas and continents, would other beings follow me into this vast new world? So close - the infinitesimal and the infinite. But suddenly, I knew they were really the two ends of the same concept. The unbelievably small and the unbelievably vast eventually meet - like the closing of a gigantic circle. I looked up, as if somehow I would grasp the heavens. The universe, worlds beyond number, God's silver tapestry spread across the night.

And in that moment, I knew the answer to the riddle of the infinite. I had thought in terms of man's own limited dimension. I had presumed upon nature. That existence begins and ends in man's conception, not nature's. And I felt my body dwindling, melting, becoming nothing. My fears melted away. And in their place came acceptance. All this vast majesty of creation, it had to mean something. And then I meant something, too. Yes, smaller than the smallest, I meant something, too.

To God, there is no zero. I still exist! "

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• science fiction classic
• The Incredible Shrinking Man

[everfanta]

unforgettable ending!

[PC3900]

Great film - had a profound impact on me as a child in the 60's.

[cosmicdingo]

Since he's narrating, it's obvious that he's still alive somewhere.

[CaptainViral84]

It's amazing to see where the vaules of HollyWood back in the 50s vs now

[lando1818]

Still an incredible film.....55 years old......beats most of the crap out today!!!

[shrodu]

@SCOTTpilgrimist12 Apparently you're not well acquainted with the "Giantess" fetish. XD

[SCOTTpilgrimist12]

@shrodu It's a bit more philodophical then that, bro.

[shrodu]

@SCOTTpilgrimist12 She should just shove him into her vagina. Problem solved.~ -/////-  (And many jealous men remain)

[SCOTTpilgrimist12]

@shrodu Not being able to have sex anymore was a big problem for Scott in the book.

[TheAustnod]

What happens when he gets smaller than an atom?

[dkupke]

I seem to recall reading somewhere that the giant spider prop from this movie got thrown into a studio warehouse and ended up getting recycled for several other films, and if may have been the spider from the ending of The Fly.

[smith1958b]

I seen this movie back in the seventies on a local network's "Monster Horror Chiller Theater," type of program. I felt bad for Grant Williams because he kept shrinking. He would have to confront amoebas, bacterias, viruses and atoms.