The Hulk

.::A taste of the plot::.

The credits start rolling off with these fluorescensic-electron-microscopic-images of cells multiplying and their matrix dissolving one scene into another. And lo! We actually see a geneticist David Banner (Paul Kersey, later Nick Nolte) working secretly in a remote military site on the immunity of different animals. He plays with the genes, supplies gamma radiations and several speculations later he tests it on different species, including himself. His obscure sensibilities let him inject the same bombarded and mutilated cells into his newborn son Bruce. But, very soon he is caught by General Ross (Todd Tesen, later Sam Elliot) who finds all about his gene-playing and arrests him. Before this could happen however, David rushes home to confess it all to his wife. He, at that point, had been unable to find a solution to the deadly tissues inserted in his son’s body and hence, after a row, wants to kill Bruce with a knife...but alas...

Several years later, Bruce Banner (Eric Bana) is coincidentally working on a similar gene-and-tissue-regeneration project with his girlfriend Elizabeth “Betty” Ross (Jennifer Connelly) when a gory accident occurs which makes him consume all the gamma rays thus violently activating the cell-division of mutated cells in his body passed on by his father. But there’s a twist (if you may call it one!)...the tissues bombard only when Bruce becomes angry. Yes, it’s the emotional turmoil at work...and thus follows a story about the nativity and fatality of this monster with of course a few twists, chases and destruction.

Does it excite you? Read the review then..

.::The direction and the script::**::.

The Hulk’s main drawback is its utterly confused treatment. A reputed director like Ang Lee tries to plonk in so much in this film, that the film falls under its own weight. He completely bores the audience in the first one hour by displaying what looks like a documentary straight out of Discovery Channel.

Characters are hugely one-dimensional, and even before you start feeling for any one of them, the film abruptly shifts 20 years forward, where again emotional sequences simply don’t stick. Be it the love between Bruce and Betty, the instances which transform Bruce into a Hulk, the return of David—the chilling factor is simply not there. The only relief comes in the form of Bruce remembering his traumatic past or near the climax when David confronts his son, but such instances are too few and far between to make any impact.

And that the Hulk is no hero but a villain himself, means the audience itself is confused whether to pity him, or loathe him. Moreover, what starts off as the aftermath of experimental accident, soon becomes a big joke towards the awfully animated climax which leaves you with a bitter taste.

As for the script and the Hulk’s concept, its comical to say the least. I mean the very thought of gamma rays regenerating the tissues and getting triggered off by anger is the most superficial plots I have come across. And that the director actually spends more than half of the film in the labs mixing and rotating samples will only multiply your laughs.

::The special effects::**::.

The question of the day is “How good is the real Hulk?” Frankly, the first time he appeared, I cracked up. Totally animated, artificially muscular, horribly painted and “plastic” written all over it, this 15-feet giant looks nothing else but a pumped up Gijoe toy. It might not thrill you, but it will definitely give you some genuine laughs.

As for the rest of the special effects, Hulk’s size always appears to be dodgy, his half-pants change their size automatically with his body, he is immune to firepower and has got giant springs under his feet which can traverse a whole mountain range in one jump. If this doesn’t make you puke, here’s more—his father sends his girl-friend 3 DNA-spoiled and consequently over-sized dogs which the Hulk fights presenting some of the fakest and the unoriginal stunts ever seen in Hollywood. And there’s this completely chaotic climax where the Hulk and the monster (his father) fight and the monster becomes this gobbly-goo of what-not and ascends to the sky—Heights of lunacy!

.::The technicalities::**::.

For once, the saviour of this esoteric film was its awesome background score (by master-composer Danny Elfman) which somehow makes you stick to the seat. Cinematography is awful. For once, I am still to comprehend why most of the scenes of Hulk’s fights were shot in the dark. A film whose content relies on such sequences, this is the most glaring mistake the technicians could have done. The incompetence of the team is clearly proved by the far-away shots of the Hulk in the desert which looks like a toy jumping on an artificial table. Also, I would have loved to see the blast of the plant in Bruce’s childhood to come across as more realised.

Shot-taking, in most parts was unique (split-screen shots, one scene dissolving into another), but somehow took away the intensity and the emotional quotient of the film with their animated style. Editing is completely vague. The film drags in the boring first half and is too swiftly cut when the real action starts. If only the fast-paced chase could have lasted a little longer!

.::The performances::::.

Eric Bana playing the title role is strictly routine. Though there’s little else he does than transforming to the Hulk, his lack of conviction in the emotional and the romantic sequences is awfully visible. Thankfully, Jenniffer Connelly gives in a brilliant and heart-felt performance as the ignored daughter and a sacrificing lover. Ditto for Nick Nolte, who is mind-blowing as the treacherous and selfish scientist-father. Watch him in the climax sitting in front of Eric and transforming into a monster—probably the only genuinely chilling sequence. Josh Lucas, Sam Elliot as Glen and General are alright in their respective negative roles. One glaring factor is how the team uses a completely different cast in Bruce’s childhood and adulthood, which can be a bit confusing at first.

.::To sum up: **::.

Its all about the lack of emotional substance, which is so very necessary for any film to work. And even though the protagonist here is a victim of a traumatic childhood and scientific abuse, it simply doesn’t connect with the audience.

A dragging first half, an artificial giant at the helm of the affairs, and a chaotic climax make Hulk a completely forgettable, impenetrable affair. It is so confused as a film that it offers near-zero entertainment for any strata of audience. Too few thrills for the demanding kids, and too much humour for the adults..that’s all it offers!