On a list of summer blockbusters, most of them comic-book inspired, comes a movie like Ang Lee's "The Hulk" and restores our faith in cinema, heals wounds inflicted from watching other pointless waste of capital.
The almost archetypal characters, with their human imperfections, turn this film into a Greek tragedy. Human emotions, from the earliest documents thru history, haven't changed. Conflict turns on coping mechanisms; coping can manifest itself in forms of suppression, repression, or denial; and these manifestations result in anger, rage; which, in turn, materializes in un-controlled behaviour. Successfully characterizing the human nature in all of us, "The Hulk" adds to it other human themes of fraternal rivalry (almost to the point of involving the infamous Oedipus character), man's quest in conquering nature, man's awakening from superstition and fear-based religions and rituals, topping it all off with the probably most instinctual behaviour called "GREED", not to mention "THE POWER OF LOVE". The strength of this film, with its character oriented plot outline, is taken further into realms of successful cinema by Ang Lee's visual style involving split screen, dissolve connections, and really impressive visual effects. Long time collaboration between director Ang Lee, and composer Michael Danna had to end here after executives didn't like what Danna did. So, Danny Elfman comes in and scores the film. He does, however, retain some original ideas from Danna's approach (such as the "Mother Theme" which is sung by Natacha Atlas, and played on an Armenian duduk). Ang Lee was interested in retaining a lot of middle eastern and indian musical influences (especially obvious when the military are out in the desert) which Elfman didn't have a problem with either. Although, I must say, it does sound a bit awkward hearing ethnic music when the army is in some desert. Just when you think they're in Iraq, you see the ice cream shop and realize that this is good old Americana for you. Cinematography uses some interesting approaches, to the point where during the slightest shades of green in a scene with Bruce you get worried that he is turning into that uncontrolable monster one more time. The lighting on the CGI-created Hulk is very impressive and realistic (often a quality that, when incorrect, causes CGI creatures to look shiny and un-realistic). Performances are well done. It's surprising how Eric Bana almost looks like Christopher Reeves in some side-profile shots (especially with the nose). Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this well made film. And in all the latest comic book superhero films "The Hulk" is my favorite.
The almost archetypal characters, with their human imperfections, turn this film into a Greek tragedy. Human emotions, from the earliest documents thru history, haven't changed. Conflict turns on coping mechanisms; coping can manifest itself in forms of suppression, repression, or denial; and these manifestations result in anger, rage; which, in turn, materializes in un-controlled behaviour. Successfully characterizing the human nature in all of us, "The Hulk" adds to it other human themes of fraternal rivalry (almost to the point of involving the infamous Oedipus character), man's quest in conquering nature, man's awakening from superstition and fear-based religions and rituals, topping it all off with the probably most instinctual behaviour called "GREED", not to mention "THE POWER OF LOVE". The strength of this film, with its character oriented plot outline, is taken further into realms of successful cinema by Ang Lee's visual style involving split screen, dissolve connections, and really impressive visual effects. Long time collaboration between director Ang Lee, and composer Michael Danna had to end here after executives didn't like what Danna did. So, Danny Elfman comes in and scores the film. He does, however, retain some original ideas from Danna's approach (such as the "Mother Theme" which is sung by Natacha Atlas, and played on an Armenian duduk). Ang Lee was interested in retaining a lot of middle eastern and indian musical influences (especially obvious when the military are out in the desert) which Elfman didn't have a problem with either. Although, I must say, it does sound a bit awkward hearing ethnic music when the army is in some desert. Just when you think they're in Iraq, you see the ice cream shop and realize that this is good old Americana for you. Cinematography uses some interesting approaches, to the point where during the slightest shades of green in a scene with Bruce you get worried that he is turning into that uncontrolable monster one more time. The lighting on the CGI-created Hulk is very impressive and realistic (often a quality that, when incorrect, causes CGI creatures to look shiny and un-realistic). Performances are well done. It's surprising how Eric Bana almost looks like Christopher Reeves in some side-profile shots (especially with the nose). Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this well made film. And in all the latest comic book superhero films "The Hulk" is my favorite.