What Did Jack Do? Review

The profound and sardonic production that exists within What Did Jack Do?, a bewildering short film that's written, directed, and edited by acclaimed filmmaker David Lynch is executed in a way that shouldn't come as a surprise for those who are familiar with his previous works. The worn-out look and tinny audio quality complement the bold black and white aesthetic that proves visually arresting due to the film's effective cinematography. However, What Did Jack Do? ultimately lacks meaning and purpose, quickly transforming into a monotonous example of what makes the visual and narrative style of Lynch so tantalizing and compelling. The film looks and feels like vintage Lynch but is never able to achieve the same vivacious reactions expected, primarily due to drab dialogue and stagnant direction. These issues, as well as the apparent lack of structure, results in a shallow and silly short that offers little to get attached to.

What Did Jack Do? follows a detective in a locked-down train station as he interrogates a suspect of murder. Both the detective and the subject are witty and short-tempered, but the intrigue peaks when it’s revealed that the suspect of the crime is a tormented talking capuchin monkey.

The elements of noir and mystery are commendable and exceptionally well done. Still, Lynch does very little with the world and tone he created, insisting on having static and uninteresting staging that mutes the overall creativeness of the world. Lynch is still able to find time to inject some dry humour, much of which is generated from the fact that he voices the monkey in an odd and pitchy voice. While much of the dialogue throughout What Did Jack Do? is the enigmatic and metaphorical material that’s expected from Lynch, it never manages to pack a weighted punch. Instead, Lynch decides to double-down on his bare yet puzzling creative choices, building to an unwarranted and jarring ending that suffers from the meagreness of memorability.

Overall, the choice from Netflix to release it to their service on Lynch’s 74th birthday is a kind gesture and simple way to celebrate the acclaimed filmmaker, but What Did Jack Do? ultimately becomes a peculiar and perplexing short film that serves little purpose. Diehard fans of Lynch’s style will find enough to find enjoyable, but those expecting a gripping narrative or distinctive storytelling will certainly be underwhelmed.

Stylistically gripping yet structurally weak, What Did Jack Do? shows off ambitious ideas with insipid execution.

Produced By: Netflix
Runtime: 17 minutes
Rating: NA