Monkey Man - Review

My wife and I didnt even notice the shaky cam until some reviewers started talking about it online. We disnt mind it at all because it added to the claustrophobic vibe of the film. We had a blast watching it. Will watch again

"Killing your darlings" is something Denis Villeneuve says a lot about his films

I saw this last night and I was surprised that the shaky cam worked for me. It seemed that the chaotic approach to the cinematography really matched the kinetic raw emotion of the character. This character wasn’t John Wick acting based on the years of experience it took to become the Baba Yaga. This was someone working purely off emotion and rage. The cinematic language seemed to help communicate this while something like John Wick works better with clean cut fight choreography. I think there might have even been a meta point to this near the beginning of the movie when getting the gun Dev Patel’s character is offered the gun of John Wick but turns it down for a revolver which he is told packs a lot of punch but requires you to be up close to the target but I might be reading too much into this. Thanks for the review Dan! Always love hearing what you think about these new releases.

I thought the "shaky can" was used well to convey the emotional state of the Kid.

It’s incredible that Jordan Peele has the stature to sway movie marketing just by attaching his name to something. That’s cool!

In Dev Patel interview with Jimmy Fallon he's body was badly hurt from head to toe and he didn't went to the hospital and it was filmed during pandemic

Man, Netflix turned this down? The company that made Gray Man, Red Notice, and many other crap?

Oh wow, I expected you to rate it higher. Probably my bias. I saw it last night and while I agree with your criticisms, I feel like there were a ton of positives that weren’t brought up and I would have definitely put it in “It’s Good”.

The "Shaky Cam" was a symbolization of his mental state, he didn't have clarity or know what he was doing at first. You will notice in the second half of the movie all the scenes became very clear after he had realized his purpose for doing what he was doing.

The movie does an incredible job using Hindu myths to critique Hindu fundamentalism while staying within the action genre. “You can only deconstruct what you love.”

You give it an ‘It’s Fine’ but I say it’s in the upper ‘It’s Good’ even closer to the ‘It’s Great’ category. The use of shaky cam was actually handled well considering the director wanted to convey the uncomfortably claustrophobic and anxiety-induced effect from the protagonist’s pov. In the first half of the movie, he hadn’t found confidence and strength to fully commit to murdering his enemy, so his mind was scattered and barely escaped the fight. But in the latter half of the movie, he builds his confidence, strength and the conviction to follow through with his plan, so the camera felt more steady and smooth following the action. The character arc and emotional centre of the protagonist was executed so beautifully well…I can’t really relate but there were moments in here I forgot Dev was acting and felt like I was invading someone’s privacy as he dealt with his demons.

Moviebob had some interesting background discussion in his review of the film. His explanation gives you an idea as to why Netflix didn't take it.

Always killing it, Dan!

Netflix didn't release it because it can be seen as critique of India's current right wing government. Pretty embarrassing on their part but a guess a billion odd people is a lot of potential customers.

Am interested in this one just because it got the Jordan Peele seal of approval. The reviews of "good, but not great" are a little disappointing to see, but I feel like I'll still enjoy this one. If I ever get time to go to the theaters, that is.

I was in the cinema and I was like hmm this could've been 20 minutes shorter.

I appreciate Dan replying to comments on his videos correcting misconceptions.

There is Bloodywood track Dana Dan in the movie they are really great Indian Nu Folk metal band 🤘

Seeing it tomorrow!

I’m going! Got to support Dev so he gets another.