Review of Freaks (1932) by Chris O — 19 Aug 2009

I originally watched this at university and found it incredibly sinister so when I saw it was on the classic movie channel the other night I was compelled to record it to show my wife.

What can I say about the film? . . . the actors were selected for other reasons than their naturalistic acting prowess and the storyline is very simple. Basically it's a tale of love and prejudice - and it presents the 'normal' people as the real freaks. It attempts to be sympathetic to the people with disabilities and I think it treads a thin line between exploiting the subjects and educating that they are real people.

Realistically, most people who have seen this film will have done so because of a macabre desire to view the 'Freaks' and any plot is about as important to them as a porno plot. The film maker has wanted an excuse to make the film and is fully aware that a man with no arms and legs lighting a match and then smoking a cigarette is entertaining enough.

Saying all that, the ending of the film is really quite sinister and it's only short so it doesn't drag at any point. Worth an hour of your time just so you can say you've seen it.