Review of King Kong (1933) by Robert R — 29 Dec 2013

Who doesn't know Kong? Thanks to this film, everybody does. The idea of a gigantic Kong is always interesting. Imagine this idea as new and groundbreaking, developed in the 30's. Then it's easy to understand why it's such a classic. King Kong is the classic story about the beast falling in love with a blonde woman, and in a world where he is always misunderstood, because everybody thinks this beast has no soul. It can be both a sad and terror film, but always a good one.

The performances are over-the-top, but this is the 30's, so it can go on without any bothering. Nevertheless I am annoyed by the female lead: all she does is screaming, but ultimately delivers the character we want to take away from the monster. I loved Robert Armstrong as Carl Denham, he's a fun and likeable character. The musical score is great too, even if I can't take it seriously at times and the size and scope of this film is impressive for the 30's, it's unbelievable. The special effects are laughable today, but back then, it was the most expensive and most formidable way to create monsters. Sure you never believe Kong or any other beast is there, sure some human characters are replaced by dolls when they fall, sure the beasts move like clapboard, sure that Kong's face close-up is hilarious, sure it all leads to hilarious effect, but all come also with a bit of impressionism; as you laugh your ass out of the special effects, you also know they are impressive for a film this old. And if it is to help the movie, then it's OK.

King Kong is classic and hilarious, fun but also emotionally resonant, leaving you to feel sorry for the beast, cause...damn, it's a giant monster with a heart that gets killed because he felt in love. A classic story that still lives-up today.

Stop-Motion everywhere!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS REVIEWS PART 12: King Kong (1933).