Life Through the Lens: What makes a monster?

(Life Through the Lens - Photo Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)
“The world is not set up for the honest man to succeed. … America is a Hustle.”
The label of “monster” is difficult to shake. Once branded a monster, every action performed and every word uttered simply strengthens the brand, searing it deeper and deeper into inescapable opinion.
There once was a being who simply longed to be. Born into an appearance he could not control, he was quickly relegated to “monster” status. Pushed out and held down. When the aggressive label was put on him at a young age, his future was sealed. No amount of redirect would do.
As the years passed, the narrative was relentless: aggressive, erratic, selfish toward personal desires, stunted communication skills, shallow focus. The details faded as the label persisted.
Here’s what was missing from our monster’s story: monstrous actions. Sure, he had claws that can crush a man’s skull, that can dismember and disfigure … but the only impulse those hands ever executed was to execute some baked goods. Yeah, he had a maw fit to wreak disaster, to consume and gorge … but that gullet only yearned for confectionary treats. It was impossible to miss the blue pelt, the inconstant gaze, the singular obsession … but the label of “monster” simply fell apart when you spent any time with the adorable youngster.
As luck would have it, life changed for our battered beast. Although his home could never get past the mark of the monster, a perceptive fella named Jim Henson could see through the look and label. This was not a creature doomed to create destruction; instead, this was a life longing to learn and love … and ingest large quantities of cookies! He was even stellar with children – go figure!
Mr. Henson gave a new life and purpose to our hero, one filled with joy and expression (and don’t forget, loads and loads of cookies). It was also decided that the moniker of monster would remain. It would be a cautionary reminder to the world: Appearance and apprehension do not make a monster – actions do. Let our dear friend Cookie Monster be a reminder that “monsters ARE what monsters DO.”
***
Gotham City is in turmoil. A wet, crime-ridden, bat-infested turmoil. Sure, the giant batlike man ended the last fight, but there are loose ends aplenty. One such loose end is named Oswald Cobb (Colin Farrell). He may not run the game, but he certainly rigs it. When last we saw our antihero, he was upside down after a car-chase-gone-askew. Now that he is right-side-up, he has his sights set high!
Oz is quite a figure to behold: scarred, scowled and hobbled. One might even utter the word “monster” upon first gaze. He has fought that label his whole life – to those that knew the younger him, he was hard-working and ambitious. Over the years, though, all that hard work and ambition only strengthened the label instead of proving it false. You’s know what? If’n they tink I’m a monster, I’ll show ’em a real monster! From that point on, Oz lived up to his reputation: a monster.
First stop on the Oz-train is the remainder of the Falcone family; with family head Carmine forcefully deceased, next up is the son Alberto. Oz has an upper-hand here because Alberto thinks Oz is nothing more than a powerless, waddling penguin (due to his extreme limp). Overlooking “the Penguin” is the last thing this cesspool of a city will ever do! The only Falcone to treat Oz like a person is Sofia (Cristin Milioti), but even she has a trouble seeing past the stubborn label.
Gotham City, be on alert: a monster lurks bent on ultimate power!
First off, Colin Farrell’s last 10 years may be unsurpassed in Hollywood; this guy has found his offbeat and original voice! He finds the most interesting challenges from the most innovative directors. The Penguin character is a perfect example – he stole the show in “The Batman” movie by completely disappearing into a role almost too good for the actual movie. In this spinoff series, he furthers this textured character exponentially. The amount of makeup and costuming is not what elevates this performance; it is the lack of tether, the complete abandon.
Cristin Milioti is a worthy opposite for Farrell. Her disintegrating character is a wonder to watch! She is powerful and increasingly terrifying! Rhenzy Feliz was a surprise as Oz’s righthand man Victor Aguilar; he was astoundingly sweet and oozing with earned pathos. The show’s consistent atmosphere and design deserve applause, as well!
“The Penguin” season one can be streamed right now on Max.
REPORT CARD: “The Penguin.” Grade: A. A proven winner for the DC universe.
***
In 1995, Will Ferrell joined the cast of Saturday Night Live and met writer Harper Steele (then known as Andrew). The years roll on, careers change, but the friendship remained strong and dynamic. Will and Harper worked together on many projects and always considered themselves “of the same mind.”
Then, in 2021, Ferrell received a very unannounced letter from Harper in which they quickly state, “Something I need you to know. I’m old now, and, as ridiculous and unnecessary as it may seem to report, I’ll be transitioning to live as a woman.” This gave Ferrell a moment of dizzying confusion … quickly followed by the remembrances of decades of love and support.
As a way of understanding and coping and reunifying, Ferrell suggested to Harper that they take a cross-country drive (as Harper had always loved to do before transitioning) from New York to Los Angeles. As a man, the drive was always exciting and soothing … but as a transitioned female, Harper has felt nothing but dread and fear at the very thought.
But with Will Ferrell to cut the tension with death-defying stupidity and reckless fearlessness, Harper is ready to test the open road!
The premise is nothing short of intriguing, right? It almost seems a publicity stunt to put Ferrell in this deeply personal expedition of reclamation and renewal … but it is beautiful. As with most uninhibited comedians, Ferrell’s performance-induced-bravery is a natural mask for his personal sincerity and softness. His eagerness to learn and vulnerability are truly inspiring.
Steele’s journey and perspective are touching. The frankness she uses, the strength she consistently calls into reality – it is wonderful to watch! I appreciate the glimpse into an authentic human’s attempt at “a work in progress.”
Although the topic is fraught with perceived taboo and aggressive misunderstanding, it is stories like these that remind us that the label “monster” must be reserved for monstrous actions. A monster must not be branded from our own fear! From our own limited experience! From our own insecurities! Harper is a beautiful soul on a journey of her own – a monster she is not!
Watch the credits, too; Kristin Wiig’s theme song is not to be missed! “Will & Harper” can be streamed right now on Netflix.
REPORT CARD: “Will & Harper.” Grade: A. A touching portrait of two open artists.