Review of Freaks (1932) by Andy A — 09 Sep 2008
Amazingly progressive for its time and still shocking almost 8 decades since its original release. Definitely a morality tale dabbling in the dynamics of freakishness. Browning's choice to use real 'freaks' instead of actors is probably one of the best choices he could have made and is definitely the element that packs the most punch.
I'll admit that while this film is great its definitely flawed too. It seems to work better on the level of a kind of creepy bed-time story for the kids. And while the plot is fairly benign, the undercurrents are quite strong: it becomes an expose on our own inner twistedness, forcing one to look on themselves with the same shock and horror as that of the freaks.
A kind of hidden conflict is laid bare as we find ourselves gawking and laughing at the misfits and for that the film is truly unique. But again, there were many possibilities left unexplored here. But I must say.
...when I saw the half-man pull out a Luger and the dwarf don a switch-blade that pretty much made the second half of the fourth star.
This review of Freaks (1932) was written by Andy A on 09 Sep 2008.
Freaks has generally received very positive reviews.
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