The Monkey: A Therapeutic Journey of Death, Darkness, and a Touch of Humor
Synopsis
"The Monkey," a horror comedy directed by Osgood Perkins, explores the overarching theme of mortality through a series of gruesome and humorous deaths. Based on a Stephen King short story, the film follows the traumatized twins Hal and Bill Shelburn, haunted by a cursed monkey toy that causes a shocking demise when wound up with a brass key.
Therapeutic Catharsis for Perkins
The film’s exploration of death holds a personal significance for Perkins, who lost both his father, Anthony Perkins, and his mother, Berry Berenson, to tragic circumstances. "I’m 51 now and a lot of things have happened. Life has changed," he reflects. "You have kids, you go on, time heals and you can make a comedy about it."
Easter Eggs and King’s Influence
King’s Constant Readers will delight in the subtle nods to his literary works. The babysitter is named Annie Wilkes, after the infamous "Misery" villainess, while the sex-ed teacher bears the surname Torrance, a nod to the family from "The Shining." "They’re in there and they’re just like little winks," Perkins says.
Musical Mayhem: The Monkey’s Percussion
In the original King story, the toy monkey brings about death through cymbals. However, copyright issues with Disney’s "Toy Story 3" forced Perkins to find an alternative. The rhythmic drumbeat, accompanied by a "Tommy Lee stick twirl," effectively builds tension before the deadly downbeat.
Outrageous Deaths and a Touch of Wile E. Coyote
"The Monkey" boasts an array of outrageous deaths, from Aunt Ida’s accidental self-immolation to Uncle Chip’s demise under the hooves of 67 wild horses. Perkins describes these deaths as "much more in line with Itchy and Scratchy and Wile E. Coyote than they are with ‘Terrifier.’"
A Nod to Benihana and Childhood Influences
Perkins’ personal experiences influenced some of the deaths, such as Annie’s decapitation by a hibachi knife. "I took my kids to Benihana for every birthday of their lives, and I went to Benihana every birthday of my life to a certain age," he explains. "I was like, ‘They got knives there, right?’ "
A Cathartic Convergence: Hal, Bill, and Death
The film concludes with Bill’s misuse of the monkey triggering an apocalyptic event, but the estranged brothers ultimately reconcile. As Hal and his son flee the chaos, the Pale Rider on a horse, a symbolic representation of Death, saunters by. "You’ve culminated all this absurdity, you’ve done all this over-the-top stuff, and you’re like, ‘I guess I got room for one more,’" Perkins says.
