Three Monkeys

Turkish import “Three Monkeys” derives its title from the primate promoted proverb “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.” The fourth monkey who advises to “do no evil” is missed, because there are plenty wrongdoings to go around.

Nearly asleep at the wheel, politician Servet (Ercan Kesal) kills a man on the road and escapes the scene. Afraid of losing an election, he bribes his driver Eyüp (Yavuz Bingo) to take the blame. The rest of the film chronicles what happens to Eyüp’s troubled son and adulterous wife while he’s in jail.

The concept of threes is there if you’re looking; three visits to father in prison, three family members, three sins committed. But does ignoring the truth make it go away? There’s pain that can’t be forgotten. Sweeping everything under the rug seemingly destines the family to misery.

Realism is splashed with creepy surrealism in the form of a ghostly figure that haunts the family, who I presume is the fourth monkey, but you should see the film to find out who that is.

The acting is nuanced and professional. The actors give us just enough clues but don’t tell us everything that’s going on in their heads. A minimalist approach with dialog leaves us with a very sparse film, save the rich visuals.

Superb cinematography abounds. Many scenes are shot in shadows, delivering a noir-like atmosphere and a very distinctive mood. Key scenes are shot with the camera pulled way back, leaving us cold and detached. Colors are mostly muted, with only ugly greens and yellows surviving. It’s equally unpleasant and gorgeous to look at.

While the pace is slow and deliberate, the film never gets boring. However, a little more tension would have helped propel things along. Also, the conclusion to the circular story arc feels like both too much and not enough. You’re not beaten over the head with the message, but you’re also left with not quite enough to chew on.

“Three Monkeys” almost gives us a hat trick with stellar imagery and strong acting, but the storytelling leaves something to be desired. Art house fans will be satisfied but not enthralled.

- View It