Monkey Man Film Review
Monkey Man is a film that almost never saw the light of day. It faced significant distribution challenges, but here it is now, a testament to perseverance and creative vision. Find out more in the full Monkey Man film review.
Production Struggles and Triumphs
Monkey Man marks the directorial debut of Dev Patel, known for his roles in Lion, Slumdog Millionaire, and The Green Knight. This project almost didn’t make it to audiences due to numerous production issues. Patel had been nurturing this idea for a long time and initially sought a director before deciding to take on the role himself. The film premiered at South by Southwest to a strong reception and was released widely in theaters in April.
Patel’s journey with Monkey Man was tumultuous. Originally set to film in India, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the production to relocate to a small island in Singapore. The cast and crew were quarantined there for nine months. During this period, Patel lost his director of photography and production designer, necessitating last-minute replacements. Border closures made it difficult to bring in additional crew or equipment. A crane broke early in the shoot, leading to creative improvisation, and Patel even broke his hand during the first scene. Budget constraints meant they had to reuse breakaway tables by gluing them back together.
Distribution Challenges
The challenges didn’t end with production. Netflix, initially set to distribute the film, pulled out, reportedly due to the film’s political undertones. Fortunately, Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions stepped in to save the project. Changes were made in post-production, such as altering the colors of the extremist party depicted in the film to avoid further controversy.
Ambitious First Feature
Monkey Man is an ambitious project for a first-time director. Many directors opt for simpler debuts, but Patel aimed high with complex action sequences and a rich visual aesthetic. The film’s narrative draws on the tale of Hanuman, a mythical figure in Hinduism known for devotion and commitment. Patel’s character embodies these traits, fighting against oppressive forces.
Visuals and Aesthetics
The film is visually striking, utilizing rich colors like saffron and deep blues. Long lenses create intense, chaotic shots, requiring precise choreography. Despite some disjointed moments, the visual style adds to the film’s immersive experience. The editing is fast-paced, sometimes overwhelming, but intentional in its creation of chaos.
Intense Action and Violence
The action sequences are among the best this year, though they are extremely violent. There are standard action movie thrills, but also scenes rooted in trauma. One particularly graphic scene involves Patel’s character using his mouth to further drive a knife into an enemy. The violence is not for the faint-hearted, but it serves to underscore the character’s rage and determination.
Musical Score
The score is a blend of Western action music and traditional Indian music, creating a unique auditory experience. Instruments like the sitar add a layer of calm to the intense action scenes, reflecting the dual nature of Patel’s character.
Patel’s Performance
In addition to directing, Patel stars in the film, delivering a powerful performance. His character speaks little, expressing emotions through subtle facial expressions. The intensity of his character’s rage and trauma is palpable, making his extreme actions believable.
Political Commentary and Broader Themes
Monkey Man makes bold political statements, referencing groups like the RSS and BJP in India. Patel’s character fights against a violent regime, using violence himself, raising questions about the morality of his actions. The film also explores themes of class and the caste system in India, and the duality of human nature. Patel’s character is both a victim and a perpetrator of violence, reflecting the complex interplay of peace and aggression within humans.
Final Thoughts
Monkey Man is not a perfect film, but it is a remarkable debut. It is ambitious, bold, and packed with action. Fans of traditional action movies will find much to enjoy, while those interested in deeper symbolism and metaphor will also be intrigued. Despite its imperfections, Monkey Man showcases Patel’s unique voice and vision in the filmmaking landscape.
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