Screenplay Review: How to Catch a Monster

“Even if you gave it to me, I wouldn’t want to live here. Nobody wants to live here.”

        There seems to be a trend where amateur or first time writers/directors attempt to evoke elements of surrealism in their works. Whether this has to do with the allure of the style during formative years or whether it’s because of the relative ease and lack of accountability when it comes to explanation is to be determined. Popular actor Ryan Gosling falls into this trap as well with his debut screenplay “How to Catch a Monster”.  Think David Lynch’s “Blue Velvet” retold as a coming of age tale set in an unnamed city. All the elements are in play here: the derelict industrial city that plays as the antithesis to the typical American dream, the shady under workings of society where men wear masks and women participate in sexual activities, the unexplained reasons for destruction, the absurdly weird side characters.

       Gosling creates the setting for his main character, a young boy named Bones who yearns for escape, but due to circumstance is seemingly perpetually stuck in the dump that is his city. His few outlets in life include working on his broken down car and fantasizing about a girl he follows, but these pleasures are countered by his mother’s lack of finance and the local bully who terrorizes his life. Ultimately this type of material requires someone who has a strict understanding of the craft and Gosling proves to still be learning. Blatant symbolism with characters literally having names such as BONES, BULLY, RAT, WOLF is riddled throughout the screenplay and little is of worth. In fact the titular monster barely plays at all. In the end it all seems a front for the standard coming of age tale romance so often seen in formulaic romantic comedies or indie dramas. Gosling tries to redeem himself with a strong, action packed climax, but is it enough? We’ll see.