Though Monkey Man has drawn John Wick comparisons since its plot was revealed, the distinctions are clear. Where Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves have mastered the art of a frenetic ballet that packs a punch, first-time director and star Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire) was conscious of creating a tooth-and-nail action film that feels "jagged." Still, it doesn't hurt to have John Wick producers backing your first-ever movie, though it wasn't without its challenges.
Monkey Man is based on a story written by Patel, who's been working on this feature since his twenties. It's the spiritual and physical journey of a man called Kid (Patel), who takes a vengeful stand of violence against the corrupt elite who murdered his mother and continue to wield their power over the poor and defenseless. The movie also stars Sharlto Copley (Chappie), Pitobash (Million Dollar Arm), Sobhita Dhulipala (The Night Manager), and Sikandar Kher (Monica, O My Darling).
During this interview with Collider's Steve Weintraub, Patel shares his influences, like Bruce Lee (Enter the Dragon) and Indonesian and Korean cinema, and speaks about his own martial arts background. The director and star also discusses why the film was dropped from Netflix before executive producer Jordan Peele was attached and pushed for a theatrical release. In this action renaissance, where stuntmen like Stahelski and David Leitch are sitting behind the camera, Patel also talks about how he recognized the potential of stuntman Stephen Renney (Renfield) and his passion for camera work to provide visceral shots, the fight choreographer he found on KZfaq, Brahim Chab (Bang Bang), the oners throughout the movie, and more, including if he'll be returning to the director's chair in the future.
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