Monster in a Box explained

Monster in a Box
Director:Nick Broomfield
Producer:Jon Blair
Norman I. Cohen
Renée Shafransky
Starring:Spalding Gray
Cinematography:Michael Coulter
Runtime:87 min
Country:United States
Language:English
Gross:$311,245

Monster in a Box is a monologue originally performed live on stage by the writer Spalding Gray then subsequently made into a 1992 film starring Gray and directed by Nick Broomfield.[1]

A follow-up to Gray's earlier work, Swimming to Cambodia, the work consists of a long-form monologue by Gray detailing the trials and tribulations he encountered while writing his first novel, Impossible Vacation (the titular "monster"). He also relates the sudden fame afforded him after the release of Swimming to Cambodia.

The soundtrack for the film was composed by Laurie Anderson.

An extended version of the monologue was published in book form prior to the release of the film.

Parody

This monologue – or at least its title – was parodied on Sesame Street in a 1993 instalment of "Monsterpiece Theater." The main actor (and writer) of the parody was a monster aptly called Spalding Monster in homage to Gray.

Notes and References

  1. News: A 'Monster' Dense With Meaning. Canby, Vincent. Vincent Canby. The New York Times. 5 June 1992.