Osgood Perkins‘ latest film, ‚The Monkey‘, adapts Stephen King’s short story into a horror-comedy, making several notable changes to the source material originally published in 1980. While the film begins with a faithful representation of the story, it quickly diverges into new territory.
Changes to the Monkey’s Design
One of the most significant alterations is the monkey’s appearance. In King’s narrative, the toy is a small wind-up monkey that clinks cymbals together, leading to a series of tragic events. In the film, the monkey is larger and beats a drum instead of cymbals. This change was necessitated by copyright issues with the cymbals, which Disney owns.
Plot Modifications
The film introduces a prologue featuring Hal’s father, a departure from the story, which primarily focuses on Hal as an adult. The father’s profession is also changed from a Merchant Marine to an airline pilot. In the story, Hal discovers the monkey while cleaning out a deceased relative’s home, while the film presents a more elaborate backstory involving the monkey’s origins.
Additionally, the film alters Hal’s relationship with his brother Bill, who in the short story is a minor character. The movie portrays them as identical twins with a contentious relationship, with Bill blaming Hal for their mother’s death linked to the monkey’s curse.
Character and Tone Differences
Characterizations also differ significantly. In the film, Hal is depicted as a reclusive figure, estranged from his family, while the story presents him as a troubled but still connected husband and father. The tone of the film leans heavily into humor, contrasting sharply with the story’s serious and suspenseful nature.
Conclusion
Perkins‘ adaptation of ‚The Monkey‘ showcases a blend of horror and comedy, taking creative liberties that set it apart from King’s original work. While the film retains some core elements, its shifts in design, plot, and tone offer a fresh perspective on the classic story.
For more details, visit the original article here.