Although officially a documentary of Ivan Marx’s ten-year search for the elusive (and some would say non-existent) ape-man of the Pacific Northwest, this unusual little film plays out more like a dramatization—some of the footage, for example, depicts what Marx describes as a spur-of-the-moment jaunt into the woods in hopes of catching a glimpse of the fabled beast. The question that arises, of course, is how was such an impromptu adventure captured on film. In addition, the fact that we “see” Bigfoot on more than one occasion – and for extended periods of time – does not alleviate doubts as to the veracity of what we’re watching. Throughout, the footage and production values are rough, but not quite as rough as we might expect from a professional tracker allegedly struggling with funding. (Though Marx never admitted his film was disingenuous, certain statements against his credibility are quite damming.)
And yet, Marx, who narrates the entire film, justifies his efforts and discoveries with such infectious enthusiasm and conviction that it’s hard not to get caught up in the thrill of the hunt, and to hope that it’s all true. A genuine lover of nature, and a man in constant awe of all of god’s creatures, Marx is an amiable traveling companion, offering us a vicarious intimacy with the beautiful locales that comprise nearly every moment of screen time—from windblown tundra and verdant moose mating grounds, to fetid beaver swamp and the mysterious place of the shining eyes. That we witness Marx’s progression from outright pessimist, to cautious skeptic, to unabashed Bigfoot champion, and have the chance to follow along as he travels far and wide in search of answers and clues – from Arizona to the Arctic Circle – endears us to the man, and makes us feel that we’re part of the adventure. Perhaps the film doesn’t offer any incontrovertible proof of Bigfoot’s existence, but it does provide a unique insight into the spirit of a fascinating man, and a renewed appreciation of our own awe of the unknown.
by Thomas Scalzo | Source: Mill Creek Entertainment DVD
21 Aug 2008 6:31 PM | Submit Comment