Movies With Marty

UNCUT | Freaks (1932) Movie Reaction [Trivia Yet To Be Edited]

Added 2024-08-08 17:00:08 +0000 UTC

Hi all! I hope you're all well. I'm still getting there with health, but it seems to be going well!

Anyway, I finally got the video to export. Today's film is "Freaks" from 1932. First off, thank you for the suggestion.

The film itself was wonderful, especially as I didn't know what to expect.

The characters, especially Hans, Frieda, Phroso and Venus are all quite charismatic and really well acted. Actually, the people who play Cleopatra and Hercules are great actors too, but obviously unlikeable within the film.

As for the subject though, with it being about a circus of people with disabilities, I disliked the fact they called the film itself "Freaks". I wasn't sure if that was to play into that some people back then would unfortunately call disabled people this (some still do)... or if it's just trying to showcase disabilities as a film version of a side show.

I think it was likely the latter, especially with them labelling this as a horror, when it isn't. That label probably comes from people being creeped out by people with these shown disabilities. Plus, they also linger on shots of people going about their activities, highlighting their disabilities more. These may not have been filmed to exploit them and more to show how talented they are, but it feels like it.

Aside from the subject matter though, overall the film was well acted and I really enjoyed some of the cinematography too, especially towards the end.

I also enjoyed many of the comedy elements in this too, especially the bath tub gag.

I hope you guys enjoy the reaction though. Again, thank you for the suggestion. I genuinely liked it, despite my above comments.

Take care and speak soon!