Stale Palette

Rating: 10/10 (6 April 2004)

There's a new trend in Hollywood where low-key directors are making personal statements. 'Hellboy' is the third I've noticed this year. Mel led with his Renaissance-inspired 'Passion' and del Toro actually follows in similar footsteps.
The plot is silly, we knew that, and follows the prerequisite path of explaining the hero's origins. Despite his failings in other areas, at least Burton didn't start off that way. Since no comic book adaptation is neither good acting nor good scripting, this doesn't have to worry about competing in that perspective.
Unfortunately, these rely on the visual realm. After all, they're based on comic books, not novels. The best example so far is 'Hulk' since (unlike recent adaptations) the eye becomes the most important element. So we have elaborate framing and layering of static images just like a comic book. I respect that revolutionary attitude by Ang Lee.
While 'Hellboy' doesn't have the same visual energy (the music and art direction are bankrupt of ideas), I do like the use of colors. Hellboy is constantly in environments that work with his skin tone, but I was surprised by scarcity of efficient dark coloring. 'Crow' hit upon the idea, but this tries to make up for it with a darker script. In that subtext, 'Batman Returns' is still king by retaining the original tone of comic books--pessimism--the best
So, in conclusion, I must state that there is a difference between being a passionate filmmaker and an artist. This tries the 'Elephant Man' makeup philosophy, but doesn't come close. That's was what got me disappointed.
Final Analysis = = Midrange Material