Freaks (1932) ~ Film Review
When Freaks was released in 1932, it received such harsh reviews that it ultimately derailed the career of its director, Tod Browning. Audiences were disgusted by the characters depicted and the controversy around circus “freaks” being actors. I can’t help but imagine if The Centipede came out in 1932; I am pretty sure everyone would have passed out. Freaks isn’t grotesque by modern standards, which the past viewed as inappropriate. This film has garnered a cult following, and for a good reason; it is simply one of the most naturally insightful and creepy films out there.
The movie revolves around a group of circus workers with various unique capabilities. As you would imagine, there are the usual clowns, aerial artists, and “strong” men, but there are also individuals with unique characteristics. Siamese twins, smaller people, and other individuals you would see in Ripley’s Believe it or Not. This film juxtaposes the “freaks” with some of the more ignorant circus workers. While many people view the “freaks” as monsters, Tod Browning asks the viewer to determine who the real monsters are in the film.
This movie elegantly weaves romance, comedy, and horror into a fascinating look at how society shapes the term “normal”. Freaks thrives in character development. Viewers are introduced to Hans (Harry Earles) and Frieda (Daisy Earles), two people of a short nature that…
