Monkeyshines, No. 2

About This Movie

So, 'Monkeyshines, No. 2' is this intriguing little flick from 1890, a sort of sequel to the first one, if you can call it that. It features an Edison company worker who just kind of flits around in front of the camera. The atmosphere is playful but also somewhat strange; it’s like you're watching the early experimentation of movement captured on film. The pacing is really loose, typical for the experimental stuff of that era. You get this sense of discovery, you know? The performance is spontaneous, almost like a rehearsal for what film would eventually become. It’s not about a storyline but more about the sheer novelty of motion and light. Definitely worth a look for anyone into the roots of cinema.

This film is quite rare and often discussed among collectors interested in the very beginnings of motion pictures. Formats can be tricky; some versions are lost to time, while others have made their way into private collections. The distinctiveness of its experimental nature means it has a niche but passionate following, and you'll find that serious collectors often seek it out to understand the evolution of cinematic art.