The Monkey's Mask (2000)

43% of critics liked it
(30 reviews)
26% of users liked it
(943 ratings)

A female detective discovers the dark side of the world of contemporary literature in this unusual thriller from Australia. Mickey (Abbie Cornish) is a brash young female poet who is gaining a potent reputation for her powerful verse about love and sex. When she suddenly disappears, private… More A female detective discovers the dark side of the world of contemporary literature in this unusual thriller from Australia. Mickey (Abbie Cornish) is a brash young female poet who is gaining a potent reputation for her powerful verse about love and sex. When she suddenly disappears, private detective Jill Fitzpatrick (Susie Porter) is hired to help find her. Jill doesn't know much about poetry, so she starts her investigation by tracking down Mickey's teacher and mentor, Diana (Kelly McGillis), to learn more about Mickey and the circles in which she traveled. Jill is a lesbian, and quickly finds herself strongly attracted to Diana; though Diana is married to Nick (Marton Csokas), she finds herself equally infatuated with Jill, and the two are soon having an affair. When Mickey is found murdered, her parents ask Jill to step up the investigation, and Jill digs deeper into the facts of Mickey's life -- learning the young woman was willing to sleep with nearly anyone who could advance her career. She also discovers that the two older male poets with whom Mickey had become involved are not at all eager to answer questions about her disappearance. The Monkey's Mask is based on a mystery novel written in verse form by Dorothy Porter; the novel became an international bestseller and the biggest-selling book of poetry published in Australia since World War II . ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 34 min.
Directed By: Samantha Lang
Written By: Anne Kennedy
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Drama

In Theaters: Jul 27, 2001 Wide
On DVD: Mar 15, 2002
Studio: Strand Releasing

Critic Reviews

Eric Harrison, Houston Chronicle
An uneasy mix of tired detective-movie clichés and low-key arty pretension.
Jay Carr, Boston Globe
Wary, conflicted, gutsy, and simpatico, [Lang'd] make a fine series character.
Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer
Emphasizes sex at the expense of mystery.
Loren King, Chicago Tribune
The sex scenes between the women do little to advance the story, but they blessedly distract both Jill and the viewer from the thin narrative.
Jane Sumner, Dallas Morning News
Boasts strong, highly watchable perfs.
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
Samantha Lang displays considerable style and assurance, with Porter and McGillis giving beautifully nuanced portrayals.
Michael W. Phillips, Jr., Goatdog's Movies
Don't be fooled by the packaging: at the heart of it, it's a pedestrian detective thriller that doesn't have much going for it in terms of originality.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The mystery story seemed drained of any suspense.
Marjorie Baumgarten, Austin Chronicle
Lang's dramatic pacing is sluggish and dull.
Connie Ogle, Miami Herald
Carries the leaden whiff of the ghosts of thrillers past.
Dave White, IFilm
You Should Pay Nine Bucks to See This: If you hate poetry. It will make your prejudice seem justified.

Read all 11 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Brian R

Echos the traditions of a film noir. Susie Porter plays as a private investigator hired to find clues to the murder of a young girl who(at the time) went to poetry sessions. Porter's character falls in love with a suspect (Kelly McGillis) was connected to the murdered girl. So… More
Echos the traditions of a film noir. Susie Porter plays as a private investigator hired to find clues to the murder of a young girl who(at the time) went to poetry sessions. Porter's character falls in love with a suspect (Kelly McGillis) was connected to the murdered girl. So Porter's character has to weigh in against the odds.