Review of Freaks (1932) by Cody R — 12 Aug 2010
Freaks is an outstanding early "horror" film from Tod Browning, the director of Universal Studio's original Dracula (yes, the one with Bela Lugosi). Freaks is an exploration of community and family, a critique of body image, and a celebration of the marginalized.
It's a film in which the beautiful and shallow pay for their sins. While Freaks has moments that are touching and poignant, it never looks down upon its characters, who are playing by actual physically deformed actors and actresses.
Instead, Browning's film, based on his experiences with a traveling circus, celebrates the community and solidarity that the "freak" create with each other. In the end, Freaks demonstrates the brotherhood that can be created between individuals while simultaneously giving us the horror payoff we desire.
A truly insightful film for the 1930s, Freaks is a film that should be experienced by all, for it teaches us a valuable lesson about not basing love on appearance and about valuing the lives and feelings of those around us.
This review of Freaks (1932) was written by Cody R on 12 Aug 2010.
Freaks has generally received very positive reviews.
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