Review: Monkey Shines (1988)

Monkey Shines (1988)

Director: George A. Romero

Writers: Michael Stewart (novel), George A. Romero (screenplay)

Stars: Jason Beghe, John Pankow, Kate McNeil

George A. Romero will always and forever be, to many, the master and originator of zombie horror. Monkey Shines, however, does not fall under this category. The “odd guy out," if you will.  I had not seen it until last Monday and it was not at all what I was expecting, out of Romero or in general. This was not necessarily a bad thing. I will keep this review short and sweet this time around.

Monkey Shines is about a quadriplegic man named Allan, who becomes paired up with a trained monkey named Ella. What he does not know, is that Ella was also part of an experiment which allowed her to tap into his deepest feelings of rage, which she carried out for him.

This film was an interesting one because it reminded me a bit of Re-Animator and how the bulk of the movie was slow paced and then just wallops your sensory organs with the last half hour or so. For the most part, it seemed to me to be a basically-sci-fi, not-really-horror movie. It was mainly about this cute little monkey who progressed in intelligence through an experiment. She then started to become slightly naughtier with the storyline, which all in all was pretty tame. There was not a whole lot of gore or horror really, which was actually a nice break, although unexpected and in this case, a little disappointing. My mind wasn’t totally blown by this film, and it didn’t exactly feel like a Romero film ought to. Yes, it was not meant to be just like one of his zombie flicks, but it felt a little too disconnected from his directing style. It is possible though that I’m a bit tainted after familiarizing myself with a gorier video library. If you are looking for and expecting something more in the vein of a psychological, science fiction flick, I would say give it a shot. It’s definitely nothing I will back-shelve, and it was worth taking a look at what else a familiar film director could do.

- Jasmine Casimir

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The Enigmatic Vampire: George A. Romero's "Martin" (1977)

The Enigmatic Vampire: George A. Romero's "Martin" (1977)

In the realm of horror cinema, George A. Romero is an iconic figure known for revolutionizing the zombie genre with classics like "Night of the Living Dead." However, in 1977, Romero departed from the undead and introduced audiences to a different kind of monster in his film "Martin." This psychological vampire drama marked a departure from the director's zombie-centric repertoire, offering a nuanced exploration of isolation, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.

"Martin" follows the story of its titular character, Martin Mathias (played by John Amplas), a young man who believes he is a vampire. The film opens with Martin traveling to live with his elderly cousin, Tateh Cuda, in the decaying industrial town of Braddock, Pennsylvania. Convinced he is a vampire, Martin sustains his supposed need for blood through the use of razor blades and syringes, rejecting the supernatural powers commonly associated with traditional vampire lore.

What sets "Martin" apart from traditional vampire tales is Romero's intentional subversion of established tropes. There are no capes, fangs, or supernatural powers here. Instead, Romero explores vampirism as a psychological condition, portraying Martin as a disturbed individual rather than a mythical creature. This departure from the norm challenges audiences to rethink their perceptions of vampires and confront the darkness within human psychology.

Romero's signature low-budget, independent filmmaking style is evident in "Martin." Shot on 16mm film, the movie captures the gritty realism of the declining industrial landscape in which it is set. The use of natural lighting and handheld camera work adds a documentary-like quality, immersing the audience in the harsh and unforgiving world of its protagonist.

At its core, "Martin" is a character study that delves into the mind of its troubled protagonist. John Amplas delivers a captivating performance, portraying Martin as a conflicted and sympathetic figure. As the audience witnesses his struggles with identity and a desire for connection, the film raises questions about the impact of societal isolation and the search for one's place in the world.

Romero also infuses "Martin" with social commentary, addressing issues such as urban decay, generational conflict, and the erosion of traditional values. The setting of Braddock serves as a metaphor for the crumbling foundations of society, mirroring the internal decay within Martin's troubled psyche.

While not as widely recognized as Romero's zombie films, "Martin" stands as a unique and thought-provoking entry in the horror genre. By subverting vampire tropes and exploring the psychological aspects of the protagonist's condition, Romero creates a film that goes beyond traditional horror conventions. "Martin" remains a testament to the director's versatility and willingness to challenge audience expectations, proving that horror can be a vehicle for introspection and social commentary.