WHAT DID JACK DO?

WHAT DID JACK DO? is a short film written, directed, and starring the acclaimed auteur David Lynch. Released in 2017 and consisting of a run time of approximately 17 minutes, this film utilizes comedy, suspense, and surreal elements to entertain and intrigue viewers. The movie features only two characters - a homicide detective and a capuchin monkey with a surprising ability to talk.

Immediately, even from the title, the story grips you with the question, 'What did Jack do?' The simple, yet powerful title, leads us into a thrilling one-on-one encounter between a detective, portrayed by David Lynch, and Jack Cruz, the capuchin monkey given voice by Lynch himself. The interrogatory setting of the film takes place in a dimly lit, vintage style train station, introducing us to a visually captivating black and white canvas that hearkens back to the golden era of film noir.

Within the enclosed setting, the film kicks off in classic Lynchian fashion, where David Lynch's character is depicted sipping a consistently refilled coffee cup. The movie employs a frightful blend of Lynch's trademark dark humor and peculiarity as we witness an intense exchange filled with riddles, innuendo, and insinuation. Tension gradually escalates as the interrogation unfolds, with the detective relentlessly pressing on to uncover the truth behind the alleged crimes of the capuchin monkey.

Jack Cruz, the suspected felon, answers the detective's constant questions in a unique and intriguing manner. As the monkey talks, human-like expressions cross its face, adding an eerie, surreal atmosphere that captivates viewers and embodies Lynch's signature style: piecing together the absurd and the mundane to compose a narrative realm that urges viewers to reconsider their understanding of reality.

As the talking monkey, Jack Cruz delivers a nuanced performance filled with philosophical quips, allusions, and consistently maintains the mystery around his actions. Alongside Lynch's gravely serious detective, it's a combination that fuses mystery with comedic elements. Jack's obscure responses to the detective's queries slowly unravel a narrative that is as bizarre as can be expected from a Lynch production, while creating an aura of suspense surrounding the monkey’s supposed misdeeds.

Music is a potent tool used in this film - be it the underlying tone of suspense to heighten the mood or the surprising burst of a heartfelt song from our ape suspect. This only adds another unique and unpredictable layer to this already unusual interrogation scene.

Toototabon, a name that appears in the credits, leads to much intrigue as there seems to be little information available about this entity or person. This further enhances the enigma surrounding the project, much like the plot of the film itself.

Many viewers will appreciate the idiosyncratic style, narrative, and visually stimulating cinematography of the film. Its black and white presentation, combined with the director’s meticulous attention to audio-visual details make WHAT DID JACK DO? an unusual yet captivating viewing experience.

Overall, WHAT DID JACK DO? is a short film that perfectly encapsulates the mysterious essence and unique creativity of David Lynch's storytelling. The film tells a surreal yet simple story about an out-of-the-ordinary interrogation delivered in a visually distinctive and atmospheric manner. By situating a small talking monkey at the center of a noir-styled crime narrative, Lynch has once again proven his unparalleled ability to unravel suspense and confusion in the most avant-garde and intriguing ways.

In just 17 minutes, WHAT DID JACK DO? presents viewers with a peculiar and quirky scenario, and a labyrinth puzzle of a dialogue that immerses the audience in a sense of intrigue that well exceeds the film's short runtime. The film stands as a testament to Lynch's ability to challenge the norms of storytelling with his unique interpretation of suspense and mystery. It invites the audience into a surreal world that is sure to both entertain and bewilder, making it a compelling watch for those who appreciate offbeat cinema.