Review of Freaks (1932) by Donovan D — 12 Mar 2008
After the phenomenal success of the landmark Dracula, Tod Browning made what he hoped would be the horror movie to top all horror movies with this controversial tale about the darker side of humanity. For a viewer of my generation, where the spectacle of difference is perhaps less shocking (but no less voyeuristic), Freaks did not really work as a horror movie.
Instead, what I found most compelling about the film was its commentary on the inhumanity of 'normal' people when it comes to dealing with people who have physical deformities. Browning was right in removing the darker qualities of the 'freaks' as they appeared in the source story 'Spurs', as it makes their mistreatment by the 'normal people' all the more sympathetic, and the fate of the trapeze artist Cleopatra can be seen as just rewards for being such a conniving bitch.
Browning may have shot his career in the proverbial foot by making this controversial film, but its worthwhile cinema from a era that can seem largely antiquaited by today's standards.
This review of Freaks (1932) was written by Donovan D on 12 Mar 2008.
Freaks has generally received very positive reviews.
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