Movie Notes: Spanking The Monkey

October 10th, 2009

Spanking The Monkey

= 3 stars

Starring Jeremy Davies, Alberta Watson, Benjamink Hendrickson
Directed by David O. Russell

Synopsis

Medical student Raymond (Jeremy Davies) has to put his life on hold to care for his lonely, shut-in mother Susan (Alberta Watson) in this dark indie comedy.

The Good

It’s pretty clear O. Russell has talent by the economical choices made to tell this albeit, bizarre story. Simple stuff like brushing teeth and cutting when the dog sneezes, a close up of a girl’s hand on a dog to indicate sexual attraction, and the various ways Raymond’s father Frank is shown to be an asshole hypocrite.
Some hilarious and shocking audacity in terms of sexual bluntness – masturbation, and another plot development that’s a bit… strange. It all comes about because Raymond has no outlet for his sexual frustration.

The Bad

The brazen sexuality, breaking of one big sexual taboo, and a voyage into “woo woo” land is a bit much. Let’s just say you should not watch this movie with your mother.
Not as funny as I had hoped, based on my love for Flirting With Disaster.

Conclusion

Looking beyond the subject matter and odd humor which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, it’s pretty clear O. Russell would get a chance to make another movie – an amusingly askew visual sense is on display.

IMDB: Spanking The Monkey
Wikipedia: Spanking The Monkey
Rotten Tomatoes: Spanking The Monkey