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]

Monster in a Box
Directed byNick Broomfield
Written bySpalding Gray
Produced byJon Blair
Norman I. Cohen
Renée Shafransky
StarringSpalding Gray
CinematographyMichael Coulter
Music byLaurie Anderson
Release date
  • 1992 (1992)
Running time
87 min
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$311,245

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

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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.

References

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  1. ^ Canby, Vincent (5 June 1992). "A 'Monster' Dense With Meaning". The New York Times.
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