The Minus Man

Updated June 26, 2020 | Infoplease Staff

This sneaky little film follows a blankly harmless man (Owen Wilson) around American suburbia as people project their desires on him and are subsequently murdered. Although occupying the center of the film, Wilson's character is intended to be an empty cipher, and—despite heavy-handed voiceovers—it works. His absent presence does allow for some creepy visions of normal America, á la David Lynch.

Director Hampton Francher is best known for writing the Bladerunner screenplay. In its finest moments, Minus Man creates a sinister mood braced by a barely visible comic deadpan. A twisted soundtrack adds unobtrusively to the eery fun.