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Incredible Bulk!

Movie The Hulk

Growing up with comic book creations, often read on the sly in the wake of admonitions that such material hampered language learning, one persisted in devouring Marvel and DC esp. DC (acquired from the neighbourhood lending library) to marvel at stupendous powers, chuckle at the shenanigans of a certain Archie Andrews and his buddies, Jughead, Betty, and Veronica. I can barely remember the Incredible Hulk from my schooldays and that’s probably because I wasn’t as enamoured with him as I was with SuperMan and his alter-ego, a mild-mannered reporter named Clark Kent. Marvel Comics mammoth-sized hero has now been brought to the screen by Paramount‘s Universal Pictures and I am happy to say that this first instalment - rest assured there will be sequels - recounting the life and times of The Hulk aka Dr Bruce Banner is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. I also think Ang Lee’s intelligent treatment of the script is largely responsible for its viewerfriendliness. The story/screenplay cobbled by a trio (James Schamus, John Turmanand Michael France) is based on the character created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. For bookworms, the inspiration behind the character is instantly recognisable. The Hulk combines the qualities of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s Frankenstein, Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and even, The Island of Dr Moreau. The result is a compelling narrative laced with dollops of science fiction. To achieve and sustain viewer interest (never mind Aristotelian catharsis of pity and fear) the film resorts to technical wizardry and some thrilling special effects. Given his size, the Hulk’s ability to bounce effortlessly from great heights may strain credulity somewhat, but then, I know that fat people can be really light on their feet, so why shouldn’t the Hulk s-o-a-r ? Intriguingly, he is not quite as fearsome as he looks; a nod perhaps to the widely-prevalent belief in not being judgemental about appearances. At times, he is a Gentle Giant. Take note of the scene in which he lifts lady love Betty (Connelly) Ross just before (or was it after?) he saves her from some terrifyingly ferocious dogs. In a way, the canine creatures are co-sufferers, because their genetic make-up has been tampered with, in as much the same manner as the scientist. The twist in the plot is the villain of the piece is the flawed hero’s own father. Sons and fathers have often served as fodder for story-tellers. Of course, the embattled relationship here does not have its provenance in sexual jealousy. There is no Oedipus complex here, the mother is selfsacrificing. But the final showdown between the two is elemental. Ang Lee has followed the horror and sci-fi genres in helming this film which underscores the importance of self-restraint and self-control even as it demonstrates the dangers of unconfined rage. Anger, as the Scriptures tell us, is the first cardinal vice. I very much liked the scene in which the Hulk morphs into his human self as he sinks to his feet at the sight of Betty. That women can tame the savage is a truth that needs repetition. Eric Bana grows (and growls) into the role and Conelly, well Conelly makes a sensible and beautiful Betty. Nick Nolte puts in a powerhouse of a performance. I can hardly wait for the sequel.