Freaks (1932)

Excellent but underrated film

Don't listen to the negative reviews

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Cinema is the most prominent form of entertainment. It has undergone through tremendous changes over a century to the form of cinema we see today.Freaks is the story happening in a circus camp. With all all deformed and shapeless "creatures", it narrates a very heart touching and thought provoking story. It really reflects the treatment of the society towards handicapped. In good shape doesn't mean that you are the best... in fact, you can be a freak too.This is a bold step forward in the history of film making. Director Tod Browning risked his own career to make this film.A must watch for all film lovers. #KiduMovie

On a scale from 1 to 10, I could make an argument that this film belongs at either end of the spectrum, or somewhere in the middle. I really struggled coming up with a fair assessment on this film, so here's my best shot. I do not believe Freaks exploits the actors, since each of them demonstrates compassion among each other and from the viewer. At times I think the filmmakers devolve the characters into stereotypical movie monsters, but the aforementioned empathy they encourage makes it hard not to cheer for them.I think the biggest problem with the film involves the relationship between Hans and Frieda, played by Harry and Daisy Earles, which comes off as a bit unconvinced, or at least off-kilter, but maybe that's the point.In the end, the film is way ahead of its time in depicting the mentally handicapped in a positive and innocent light in contrast with the greed and corruption of their counterparts. The dancing scene at the pond also creeped me out, but maybe that says more about my own prejudices against innocence than anything, and I think that is one of the goals of this films.3 out of 4 stars for Freaks.

Freaks is a shocking film. What makes this film so shocking is the fact that these are REAL people with REAL disabilities. You have to keep in mind when watching this film these people were real circus acts before they turned into actors for the film.As far as the story goes, it's fairly interesting. It's not a great story but it is somehow interesting - I would say due to the actors. If this movie was made with average actors then the film would not be nearly as interesting to watch (if I'm explaining it right).Horror? I think the real horror lies in living the way the actors in the film had to live. The ending provides extra shock and horror that is unimaginable.This is a movie you would have to see to get the full understanding of how shocking it is... even by today's movie standards.7/10

Is Tod Browning's 1932 film "Freaks" really a horror film? Well, somewhat. Some scenes towards the ending are really chilling, and the entire film has a haunting and unsettling atmosphere. Actually, the movie would be even better if it was a bit longer, which it originally was. There's thirty minutes that were cut out of this film and no ones been able to see it since a test screening in 1932. It was cut because the audience seemed to be disturbed and shocked by the footage. A woman even threatened to sue MGM because of how disturbing it was for her.And even without this so called shocking missing footage, "Freaks" is still genuinely haunting and even disturbing at times. "Freaks" is certainly a film that is far ahead of it's time, and that explains why it was very under-appreciated back in its day. It destroyed director Browning's career, and was a box office bomb! But, luckily, its gotten a second chance with film goers and is one of the ultimate cult classics.The film really does deserve the cult status, it truly is one of the best films of the 30s and definitely deserved some recognition! The freaks, themselves add quite a bit to the film, as well. Real circus performers were cast, including a man with no arms or legs and a half man/half woman, among plenty of others.Although some of the acting is pretty bad, it was the 30s, most films had some pretty bad acting, and a lot of the people in this film were, as I said, not actors, but actual circus performers.Browning's film is a masterpiece of the creepy and absurd, with touches of humour and heart.