Answer
In the 1983 film adaptation of Stephen King's novel "The Dead Zone," David Strathairn portrays the character of Reverend Gene Purdy. Purdy, a spiritual leader, plays a pivotal role in the story by acting as a mentor and confidant to Johnny Smith (played by Christopher Walken), a man with psychic abilities. Their interactions explore themes of responsibility, faith, and the moral implications of possessing extraordinary powers.