Freaks was a highly controversial film at the time of its creation, and its easy to see why. The casting of actual deformed people in a movie is an audacious decision. This can be seen in two ways: a real freak show (which is very, very disturbing) or an investigation into human character. I like to think that Tod Browning was striving for the bigger picture, but sometimes its not so obvious. The real-life freak show actors were definitely fascinating, but not much was done to create sympathy at the individual level. Rather, the freaks are represented as a varied group that works together to get things done. While this is effective in some ways, it didn't let the viewer surpass the barrier between seeing it on screen and understanding how it feels.
The subject matter is successful in bringing some deep messages about human character. The film is unique in that it does not try to hide anything. The freaks are not meant to be liked right away; although possibly pitied. But as the film progresses, the contrast between the "normal" people (Hercules and Cleopatra) with the collection of freaks builds up. When the marriage between Cleopatra and the midget occurs, the freaks are aware that its a plot. The is meant to define the freaks as the good guys, but the conclusion returns to a dark theme.
Freaks is one of those films that was fascinating but disturbing at the same time. It is unlikely that there will ever be a movie similar to Freaks. Tod Browning took a risk that impacted the rest of his career with this film. It is worth seeing because of the important subject and the real actors. Its one of those things that we cannot cover up or pretend doesn't exist.
The subject matter is successful in bringing some deep messages about human character. The film is unique in that it does not try to hide anything. The freaks are not meant to be liked right away; although possibly pitied. But as the film progresses, the contrast between the "normal" people (Hercules and Cleopatra) with the collection of freaks builds up. When the marriage between Cleopatra and the midget occurs, the freaks are aware that its a plot. The is meant to define the freaks as the good guys, but the conclusion returns to a dark theme.
Freaks is one of those films that was fascinating but disturbing at the same time. It is unlikely that there will ever be a movie similar to Freaks. Tod Browning took a risk that impacted the rest of his career with this film. It is worth seeing because of the important subject and the real actors. Its one of those things that we cannot cover up or pretend doesn't exist.