Review of Freaks (1932) by Jesse R — 02 Jul 2012

Thought it was really good. The cast is comprised of 4 regular people and the rest are actually sideshow performers with legitimate physical abnormalities (no make-up here whatsoever.) I can understand the initial feeling of repugnance when it comes to the idea of sideshow "freaks" but honestly, for a lot of them, where can they find legitimate work like the rest of us? In the 21st century we do have a lot of technology that could help people like that sometimes, but only to an extent. In the 1930s especially it's not hard to picture this as being their only way to make a living. Their appearances sometimes coupled with their physical/mental capabilities can be a hindrance in any place outside of the circus.

The acting and line delivery isn't too great, particularly from Hans and Freida. I didn't find it too frightening (at least not until the climax when the "freaks" get their revenge) but it was effectively creepy. I felt bad for thinking this way but I did feel slightly uncomfortable when the pinheads first came on-screen because they didn't speak. Not until Schlitzie started joking with Phroso did that feeling dissolve completely. While I did think Hans was a fool for believing someone like Cleopatra genuinely loved and wanted him, the wedding feast was nonetheless actually sad to me (I cried). I didn't find the "freaks" chant creepy but heartbreaking because they all really believed she was now "one of them". Cleopatra and Hercules' cruel response to this realization is the truly horrendous thing.

I can understand how this movie was controversial back in the '30s. The movie stays with you long after its finished. Like someone else said, I think it was ahead of its time and only until recent years has it been correctly acknowledged to be a horror classic. It's a shame its contemporaries missed the message about acceptance and tolerance of people who are different. It's a shame Browning's career went into the toilet after this film came out. He really took a risk by making this but that is definitely admirable. Especially when you look at Hollywood now and the types of movies they keep churning out that are all so similar and sure bets for box office draws. Not a whole lot of big directors take huge risks anymore.