Monkey Man's Bloody Elevator

Monkey Man's Bloody Elevator

I just watched Monkeyman (2024), Dev Patel's directorial debut. Great film, very fun. I would certainly recommend it. 

Now, what struck me as interesting is the 'elevator scene.' It called to my mind a very different kind of elevator scene: 

Kubrick's The Shining (1980).

While both scenes elicit a visceral reaction, they do so in decidedly different ways. In Monkeyman, the adrenaline comes from the intense physical confrontation and the threat of danger in a confined space, whereas in The Shining, it's the shocking and surreal imagery of the elevator doors opening to release a torrent of blood that leaves a lasting impact.

Terror versus horror. 

Both scenes showcase the power of cinema to evoke strong emotions and create memorable moments, albeit through different cinematic techniques and storytelling.