THE MAD MONKEY (1989)
aka TWISTED OBSESSION
Label: Bizarro Releasing
Region Code: Region-Free
Rating: Unrated
Duration: 108 Minutes
Audio: English, French DTS-HD MA 2.0 with Optional English Subtitles
Video: 1080p HD Widescreen (2.35:1)
Director: Fernando Trueba
Cast: Jeff Goldblum, Miranda Richardson, Dexter Fletcher, Liza Walker, Anémone, Daniel Ceccaldi
Buy it: https://amzn.to/3SMeoAp
Synopsis: American screenwriter Dan Gillis (Jeff Goldblum), based in Paris and reeling from a recent separation, receives a commission from producer Julien Legrand (Daniel Ceccaldi) to collaborate with ambitious young director Malcolm Greene (Dexter Fletcher). But as Dan becomes entangled with Malcolm's sister Jenny (Liza Walker), his agent Marilyn (Miranda Richardson) and the project's bizarre erotic screenplay, his life unravels in a web of manipulation, incestuous secrets, and dangerous deception.
The Mad Monkey (aka Twisted Obsession) marks Belle Epoque's Academy Award-winning director Fernando Trueba's bold entry into psychological neo-noir—an exquisitely directed, serpentine thriller that blends erotic intrigue with hallucinatory dreams and shocking revelations. Beautifully shot by José Luis Alcaine (The Skin I Live In), the film masterfully crafts the darkest side of Paris and the film industry, featuring an international cast that includes Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park), Miranda Richardson (Damage), Dexter Fletcher (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels), and Liza Walker (Hackers). Long unavailable outside Europe, this restored high-definition presentation offers North American audiences the opportunity to discover this overlooked gem of Spanish cinema on Blu-ray for the very first time.
Special Features:
- 2K Restoration from original negative
- Original English soundtrack with optional newly translated English subtitles
- "To Dream so as to Film" – New, in-depth interview with director Fernando Trueba (45:17)
- "A Fantastic Anomaly" – New interview with Sitges Film Festival director Ángel Sala (12:59)
- "Dreaming About The Mad Monkey" – Archival behind-the-scenes featuring Fernando Trueba, Jeff Goldblum, Miranda Richardson, Dexter Fletcher, and Liza Walker (17:29)
- 16-page booklet featuring new essay by film historian Kat Ellinger
The Mad Monkey - The Final Word:
The Mad Monkey (1989) aka Twisted Obsession finally gets a proper disc release in North America, previously only available on a dodgy looking DVD as part of one of those Mill Creek Entertainment 50 packs, and streaming for free on Tubi in a less than stellar, albeit widescreen, presentation. Bizarro does excellent work bringing this Spanish cult gem to fans with a superior HD presentation and some extensive and probing extras. The film itself is a bit of a mess as I said, but it's a darkly fascinating thriller just the same, with terrific performances from Goldblum and Richardson.
Click on the images below, or right click and open in a new window, for full sized THE MAD MONKEY Blu-ray screen caps!
Extras:
Buy it!
#ad
