Tuesday 22 April 2014

31: Kindred Spirits (2.19)

1979; 48 minutes
Director of Photography John McPherson 
Written by Karen Harris/Jill Sherman ; Produced by James G Hirsch;
Directed by Joseph Pevney

Following the discovery of rock paintings going back fifty thousand years that depict the transformation of an early homo sapien into a green giant, David hooks up with an expedition to search for further evidence.  David feels that the painting suggests the man/beast may have discovered a controlling device in the form of a plant, hence he is eager to be involved as much as possible.

The woman leading the expedition, Dr Gabrielle White, allows his presence because she actually recognises him as the supposedly deceased David Banner.  In trust he tells her his story and together they look for and analyse findings in the caves, only to find themselves the recipients of Native American hostile attentions, some of whom feel that they are unjustly taking (relics) from their land.

An enticing mix of interpretations for the Hulk is cooked up between the characters of this story.  McGee is on the scene as soon as there is a sighting, citing the facts that he has uncovered to various people but to little avail, the professor who works alongside White believes that the creature is the 'missing link' that forever leaves holes in evolution theory, while the elder of the Native American family passes on folkloric tales of the ancient green creature in the belief that it is some form of godly spirit.  Hulk's appearance only reinforces everyone's personal opinions of course, which grants an interesting parallel to the world whereby we see whatever is around us as evidence of what we want to believe.  In the midst of all this, Banner just wants to locate a cure or control for his affliction.  Kim Cattrall made a wonderful and surprising early appearance as Gabrielle, a dreamy, unimaginably appealing presence in her prime.

Number of Fists: ****

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