Freaks Movie Review (1932)
A fascinating film that is unlike any other, Freaks, about a group of circus performers trying to stop a murder, is a one-of-a kind experience that is required viewing for any cinephile.
Almost 100 years ago, Tod Browning directed a film written by Willis Goldbeck and Leon Gordon. It was based on a short story called Spurs, and produced for the screen. The original version, which was about 90 minutes, was deemed too grotesque and disturbing, and was cut significantly by the studio into the film that we have available today by the name of Freaks.
Freaks takes place at a 1930s circus, where side show acts are prevalent and an average sized man narrates for the crowd. While there are several minor complications within the circus, the main drama centers around Cleopatra, a beautiful average-sized trapeze artist who many men fawn over. Hans, a dwarf who is engaged to Frieda (also a dwarf), is entranced with Cleo and wants to be with her. Cleo discovers that Hans has a lot of money, and attempts to woo him to marry her, while planning for his demise.
This is unique film in so many ways, the least of which is that, for a film put together and shot almost a century ago, it is well constructed with slightly creepy visuals (we would not consider them scary today, but it’s clear why they did) and an interesting story.
The majority of the stars in Freaks are people with developmental or physical disabilities, and that is extremely difficult to come to terms with when you realize what this film is about. You know that these people made their living by being side show acts that people gawked at, and there is an ick that goes with that knowledge. But, for me, as I was watching, I found an air of community and acceptance among everyone in the circus (other than Cleopatra, a man named Hercules, and a few others). This was their home, and when they weren’t performing, everyone enjoyed and took care of each other.
The stars of the film include everyone from a sword swallower and fire eater to a bearded lady, conjoined twins, a man with no lower half to his body, and a man who has no limbs. During various moments in the film, each person is able to show off a talent without fanfare – it’s just what they casually did, and likely what they performed in their real-life acts.
This is a very short film that will enthrall you with its visuals, cast, and story. But, after everything else, and while you worry that Hans is going to be murdered by Cleopatra, the message is that these people are all stronger than they look and stronger as a community.
*Note – this is billed as a horror film for the time, but what they categorize as horror is people hiding in the shadows (characters you’ve already met) with shots of performers creeping around. The intention by some was likely to exploit their differences, but all I saw was a group of humans supporting each other. So, no matter what the studio’s original plan, that was my takeaway.
Runtime: 61 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: Not Rated
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes
Did I Cry? Nope
My Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Available: To rent on Prime Video or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
