Synopsis

A locked-off camera observes a bizarre biomechanical drummer pounding away at extraordinary speed. A monkey's head sits atop a black metal framework, while human limbs jut from the machine and move with frantic, tightly synchronized precision. The creature appears both alive and mechanically controlled, creating an unsettling blend of slapstick, body horror, and industrial design. The action follows the opening section of Aphex Twin's "Mt Saint Michel + Saint Michaels Mount," turning the track's jagged rhythm into a grotesque physical performance.

Factoids & Trivia

• "Monkey Drummer" uses the first two and a half minutes of "Mt Saint Michel + Saint Michaels Mount," the tenth track on Aphex Twin's 2001 album "Drukqs."

• The concept was inspired by old wind-up monkey toys with bright red faces. The idea was to update that familiar novelty for the 21st century and pair it with an intensely fast Aphex Twin track.

• The visible human body parts belonged to Sigtryggur Baldursson, a founding member of the Icelandic band The Sugarcubes. He was filmed in multiple positions, with his torso later replaced by the mechanical body.

• The monkey head was operated by puppeteers Paul "Slash" Morris and Justin Flack.

• The 2.5-minute film was commissioned by London's Anthony d'Offay Gallery. It was intended to accompany "Flex," but was not finished in time for the gallery's September 2000 exhibition.

• Its first public presentation came at the 49th Venice Biennale in June 2001, where it was shown as part of a film installation.

• The film later appeared on a Creative Review DVD and on "The Work of Director Chris Cunningham," released in 2003.

• "Monkey Drummer" won Best 3D Animation in a Music Video at the 2002 International Monitor Awards.