Freaks

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Diego M Freaks (1932), directed by Tod Browning, is a unique blend of drama and horror based on Tod Robbins's short story Spurs. The film stars Harry Earles as Hans, a man with dwarfism who inherits a fortune, and Olga Baclanova as Cleopatra, a trapeze artist who manipulates him for his wealth. Other notable cast members include Daisy Earles as Frieda, a fellow dwarf in love with Hans, and Henry Victor as Hercules, Cleopatra’s lover. The film features real-life sideshow performers, adding authenticity to its portrayal of a tightly-knit circus community. Set primarily in the circus, the story follows Cleopatra's cruel scheme to marry Hans, poison him, and claim his inheritance. Despite Frieda’s warnings, Hans falls victim to Cleopatra's charms, only to discover her true intentions. The freaks unite to exact vengeance on Cleopatra and Hercules, culminating in a chilling climax where Cleopatra is transformed into the grotesque “human duck” seen at the film's beginning. The cinematography is dynamic, employing tracking shots and close-ups that heighten tension and drama. The wedding scene, where Cleopatra mocks the freaks, stands out with its striking use of camera angles to convey both the humiliation of Hans and the ominous unity of the freaks. The film’s setting contrasts the grimy circus with Hans’s luxurious apartment, underscoring the disparity in the characters’ worlds. Freaks elicits deep sympathy for its titular characters, portraying them as kind and loyal while casting Cleopatra and Hercules as true villains. However, the freaks’ vengeful transformation challenges this sympathy, creating a sense of unease. Browning’s depiction raises questions about the consequences of oppression and the capacity for revenge. While Freaks could be viewed as a drama, its intent to evoke fear firmly places it in the horror genre. The psychological tension surrounding the freaks’ retaliation is its most unsettling aspect. Though less visceral by modern standards, Freaks remains a haunting and thought-provoking film, blending empathy and horror to powerful effect. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/03/25 Full Review Jonathan O Man this horror film is truly a masterpiece it's both soap opera and body horror and Tod Browning who terrified us with Universal Monsters and Tod really terrified us and shock us in freaks is really lovely at first and then bit by bit it turns to ultimate shock in horror and really great writing especially the iconic lines that sounds joyful but sounds horrifying and Browning is truly a magnificent queer horror filmmaker history. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/18/24 Full Review Tyler B There's part of you that wishes you were a freak in this very attraction, as you work your mind and heart through this masterpiece. "One of us one of us Google gobble Google gobble". Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/15/24 Full Review Dayne R This is not a horror movie, it feels like a tragic drama and it can be quite disturbing if you're not used to grotesque scenes such as the ending scene (No spoilers) This was truly a special story by Tod Browning about "circus freaks" or as I would say disabled kind people. It's truly done in a humane way towards these unique individuals and shows their daily life. Schlitzie stole the show with his incredible personality and you can tell her really enjoyed filming. Hans and Frieda were also brilliant in their performances alongside Cleo and Hercules. This was raw talent at its finest. Prince Ramdian does an incredible thing as well with a cigarette. Every unique person in this film shined and even the people who had no disabilities. The ending was quite disturbing however, I personally didn't find it too disturbing because, I've seen way worse lol The Walking Dead Season 7 Episode 1 was more disturbing than this. I could see some people who would find this disturbing and might not be used to grostesque gory films or shows. It's a great film overall and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is willing to see it. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/05/24 Full Review Alec B It is disappointing that we will never get to see the original uncut version but what is there is still beguiling and dramatically satisfying. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/10/24 Full Review Christian K A good an shockingly earnest look at a group of circus performers, for the era it doesn't feel exploitative at all. Awesome last 10 minutes. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/03/24 Full Review Read all reviews

Freaks

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