JuliaMaia is a writer and filmmaker originally from Brazil. She grew up watching every piece of television and film she encountered from all over the world, which inspired her to come to Los Angeles to study film. She always knew that in order to be happy and fulfilled she had to be surrounded by art. She is always in search of the next film, show or performance that will inspire her. Her background in filmmaking helps her appreciate the technical elements of a film, as well as relish the journey of each story being told. There is not a topic Maia enjoys talking about more than film and the film industry and how it impacts the world and vice versa. The Hollywood Insider is the perfect platform for Maia to participate in the discourse about anything film related with many that , much like herself, love to take part in real important conversations and deeply appreciate the art of telling stories.
Sep 12, 2024
Table of Contents
‘Bad Monkey’ just premiered on Apple TV+ and it is already sparking conversation about the show being promising and it potentially being Vince Vaughn’s best performance to date.
The novel
Set in the Florida Keys, ‘Bad Monkey’ is based on a novel by America’s finest satirical novelist, Carl Hiaasen, who made sure to target everything from environmental destruction to political corruption in this 400 page novel. The first episode seems to be following not only the plot line but also patterns from the book. Much like the novel, the series uses dark humor and absurd situations to critique numerous aspects of society. In this dark comedy crime series we follow Andrew Yancy (Vince Vaughn), a former Miami detective turned restaurant inspector, who finds himself caught in a rather bizarre case that weirdly includes a bad-tempered monkey.
The very first episode is not afraid to set the tone right away by blending intrigue with a hint of absurdity. The very first scene of the show wastes no time in leaning into the grotesque, even if it’s also humorous. The scene involves a severed arm that is found by honeymooners when they fish the arm out of the ocean. The “unclaimed remains” find their way to Yancy, who becomes in charge of it. Yancy is very much a product of his environment as are the many mysteries he gets involved with, just like the arm situation.
It would be impossible to talk about the show and not mention one of the standout elements of the show are the great performances that bring the darm comedic tone to the series to life. Vince Vaughn does an amazing job as Andrew Yancy. Vaughn captures Yancy’s perfect blend of desperation, ease, humor and cynicism. Vaughn’s comedic timing is always on point, as he brings a very laid-back and quick-witted energy to the role. It is hard to judge from only one episode if Vince Vaughn’s Andrew Yancy is his very best performance to date, but one episode is enough to add ‘Bad Monkey’ to one of his best performances. Vaughn leads the way with a memorable portrayal of Yancy, while the supporting cast enhances the story with their own distinctive contributions. Each actor clearly embraces their character’s eccentricities. Michelle Monaghan, Jodie Turner-Smith, Rob Delaney, Ronald Peet standout as supporting cast – but no cast member can beat Crystal the Monkey. With only one episode, it is safe to say that the casting works wonderfully.
Production design is the key element in creating a world in film. Production design encompasses the creation and coordiation of all the physical environments and elements seen on screen, from the set dressing and locations to color palette and props. The production design for ‘Bad Monkey’ enhances the vibrant and laid-back lifestyle of the Florida Keys. The show’s locations are filled with tiki bars, weathered fishing docks and bright pastel-colored houses, very typical of the region. Yancy’s home is a central set piece that reflects his character’s complicated life. The slightly run-down exterior and the cluttered interior filled with out of place furniture is a direct reflection of his character. The production design both mirrors and adds depth to Yancy’s character. The use of bold, tropical colors in the production design overall and throughout the show reinforces the Florida setting and contrasts with the darker plot elements.
The cinematography is instrumental in establishing the show’s rather unique blend of crime drama and dark comedy. In only one episode, the show managed to effectively capture with the use of vibrant, saturated colors the tropical environment that is the Florida Keys. Framing can tell a story in it of itself. There is quite a bit of over-the-shoulder and close-up shots during key conversations, which draws the audience to the tension. The wider, establishing shots are key to anchor the viewer in the Florida setting. The lighting is very effective. Outdoor scenes really lean in on natural sunlight, bringing the audience to sun-soaked Florida, whereas indoor scenes are filled with low-key lighting that casts long shadows and creates a sense of unease and suspense.
The editing and pacing of episode one is brisk, effectively balancing the introduction of key characters and the unfolding of the central mystery.
The story is endlessly interesting and entertaining and the dialogue is sharp and witty, leaning a lot on the dark humor. The first episode is without a great set up to what seems to be a very promising season.
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JuliaMaia is a writer and filmmaker originally from Brazil. She grew up watching every piece of television and film she encountered from all over the world, which inspired her to come to Los Angeles to study film. She always knew that in order to be happy and fulfilled she had to be surrounded by art. She is always in search of the next film, show or performance that will inspire her. Her background in filmmaking helps her appreciate the technical elements of a film, as well as relish the journey of each story being told. There is not a topic Maia enjoys talking about more than film and the film industry and how it impacts the world and vice versa. The Hollywood Insider is the perfect platform for Maia to participate in the discourse about anything film related with many that , much like herself, love to take part in real important conversations and deeply appreciate the art of telling stories.
JuliaMaia is a writer and filmmaker originally from Brazil. She grew up watching every piece of television and film she encountered from all over the world, which inspired her to come to Los Angeles to study film. She always knew that in order to be happy and fulfilled she had to be surrounded by art. She is always in search of the next film, show or performance that will inspire her. Her background in filmmaking helps her appreciate the technical elements of a film, as well as relish the journey of each story being told. There is not a topic Maia enjoys talking about more than film and the film industry and how it impacts the world and vice versa. The Hollywood Insider is the perfect platform for Maia to participate in the discourse about anything film related with many that , much like herself, love to take part in real important conversations and deeply appreciate the art of telling stories.
JuliaMaia is a writer and filmmaker originally from Brazil. She grew up watching every piece of television and film she encountered from all over the world, which inspired her to come to Los Angeles to study film. She always knew that in order to be happy and fulfilled she had to be surrounded by art. She is always in search of the next film, show or performance that will inspire her. Her background in filmmaking helps her appreciate the technical elements of a film, as well as relish the journey of each story being told. There is not a topic Maia enjoys talking about more than film and the film industry and how it impacts the world and vice versa. The Hollywood Insider is the perfect platform for Maia to participate in the discourse about anything film related with many that , much like herself, love to take part in real important conversations and deeply appreciate the art of telling stories.
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