King Kong (1933) Movie Review

 (fig 1, original poster)

King Kong (1933) is a story about destruction and a creature dragged from its original habitat to the urban jungle of New York. The film follows an adventurous film-making crew that travels to a distant and unknown island. Created by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack.

There is a sense of naiveté while watching this classical film. From the captain that receives the map for their destination, while on the ship, to the beautiful actress that starts a journey, not exactly knowing what is her part in it, and many more, but there is also a sense of depth to the movie, and the viewer is somehow engaged with the plot.

 (fig. 2 still form the film) (Giantmonstersamongus.blogspot.co.uk, 2013)

Figure 2 is probably one of the most famous images in cinema, doesn’t matter of the viewers’ age, everyone can recognise the giant ape on top of the empire state building.

R. Ebert states: “But "King Kong" is more than a technical achievement. It is also a curiously touching fable in which the beast is seen, not as a monster of destruction, but as a creature that in its own way wants to do the right thing.” (Ebert, 2002).

The technical complexity of the film is also noted by the New York Times: “Through multiple exposures, processed "shots" and a variety of angles of camera wizardry the producers set forth an adequate story and furnish enough thrills for any devotee of such tales.” (Nytimes.com, 2014)

The stop-motion animation still looks really good and the many layers of almost every shot in the film give a great sense of depth and a need to explore this uncharted territory.

 (fig. 3) (Giantmonstersamongus.blogspot.co.uk, 2013)

In figure 3 is demonstrated the hard work of designers and film producers. Created in three layers of a painting at the background, a model in the midground and a real scene as the foreground, an incredible and fantastical space was created, truly believable and encouraging the viewer to believe in what they see.

In conclusion, filmsite.org states that the film is “The greatest and most famous classic adventure-fantasy (and part-horror) film of all time” (Filmsite.org, 2014) with which every viewer can agree. The level of detail in every shot is overwhelming and inspiring, even now, decades later.

Images:

Fig. 1 - Filmsite.org, (2014). King Kong (1933). [online] Available at: http://www.filmsite.org/kingk.html [Accessed 9 Oct. 2014].

Fig. 2 - Giantmonstersamongus.blogspot.co.uk, (2013). Giant Monsters Among Us: King Kong 1933. [online] Available at: http://giantmonstersamongus.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/king-kong-1933_29.html [Accessed 9 Oct. 2014].

Fig. 3 - Giantmonstersamongus.blogspot.co.uk, (2013). Giant Monsters Among Us: King Kong 1933. [online] Available at: http://giantmonstersamongus.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/king-kong-1933_29.html [Accessed 9 Oct. 2014].

Bibliography:

Ebert, R. (2002). King Kong Movie Review & Film Summary (1933) | Roger Ebert. [online] Rogerebert.com. Available at: http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-king-kong-1933 [Accessed 9 Oct. 2014].

Nytimes.com, (2014). Movie Review - King Kong - A Fantastic Film in Which a Monstrous Ape Uses Automobiles for Missiles and Climbs a Skyscraper. - NYTimes.com. [online] Available at: http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9F03E3DC173BEF3ABC4B53DFB5668388629EDE [Accessed 9 Oct. 2014].

Filmsite.org, (2014). King Kong (1933). [online] Available at: http://www.filmsite.org/kingk.html [Accessed 9 Oct. 2014].