Spanking the Monkey stars Alberta Watson
Spanking the money is a 1994 film turns family drama on it’s head. redefining the relationship between a parent and their offspring. The film’s title itself is a euphemism for masturbation, when one takes “matters into their own hands”. However, the main character Raymond, feels increasingly that his fate is out of his hands. Raymond (Jeremy Davies) has plans for a summer internship when his father makes him care for his bedridden mother instead. Susan (Alberta Watson), isn’t physically unwell, but she has limited mobility because of a broken leg. As Susan becomes increasingly dependent on Raymond, their relationship takes a disturbing turn, leading to a taboo romantic connection between mother and son.
Exploring sexual awakening in the context of an inappropriate relationship “Spanking the Monkey” attempts to address the conflictual nature of the Oedipus complex. Raymond is resentful of his familial situation, especially since it has disrupted hard earned advances on his career path. He finds himself struggling to relate to his peers and is sexually awkward with his attractive neighbor. Regardless, his sexual frustration, begins drive him into the arms of his mother, who is ever present in his daily activities. This exploration of a taboo subject forces the audience to question the boundaries of acceptable human behavior and challenges us to consider how circumstances can push individuals to do things normally reprehensible.
One could argue that director David O. Russell’s willingness to tackle such prohibited subjects is a daring artistic choice, especially for his first feature film. The forbidden change in nature of the principle mother -son relationship, is not the only dark theme. Raymond’s narcissistic parents manipulate him for their own comforts, though-out the movie. He is driven to near suicide, as he increasingly loses control, over the direction his life is taking. So this is also a film about toxic relationships, how commitment with the wrong priorities can undo the best laid plans, robbing a person of years of hard-work.
Some believe that the explicit and provocative nature of the content is purely to titillate the audience. But I believe that it only strengthens the metaphor for this coming of age film. As Raymond’s individual identity and purpose is being smothered to death, by his position as dutiful son. Lost opportunities, broken promises, the role reversal from child to caregiver, then from offspring to independent individual. “Spanking the Monkey” is one young man’s disturbing journey to learn how to “take matters into his own hands” and become the independent adult he was meant to be.
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