B Monkey (1998, Asia Argento, Jared Harris, Rupert Everett) – Classic Film Review 1097

In co-writer/director Michael Radford’s undeservedly little-seen 1998 oddity, Asia Argento brings just the right crazy allure to the part of Italian jewel thief Beatrice, or B Monkey, who sweeps dependable London teacher Alan Furnace (Jared Harris) off his feet.

Alan moonlights as a jazz disc jockey for a hospital PA system. One night after work, he goes to a bar and sees the beautiful Beatrice arguing with two men. He’s captivated by her and begins to pursue her. He wants to turn her straight; she wants to lure him into her crazy way of life.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Rupert Everett co-star as Argento’s gay partners-in-crime, the two men Beatrice was arguing with. The stars give stylish turns and bring some needed credibility to a rather rum do of a romantic thriller, based on a novel by Andrew Davies. It’s unusual, ambitious and involving, but it’s so offbeat that it may prove a bit too weird for many tastes. Meyers and Everett give bold and expert performances as the gay couple, Bruno and Paul. And the movie’s an involving walk on the wild side.

Julie T Wallace, Ian Hart, Tim Woodward, Bryan Pringle, Clare Higgins, Simon Bowkett and Marc Warren co-star.

This was  Radford’s first film after his hit Il Postino. Michael Caton-Jones was to direct but left over creative differences.

(C) Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Film Review 1097 derekwinnert.com