Why is the 1930's movie Freaks so popular?

Question

I just watched it, it was boring, bad acting, and the only thing interesting was to see the freaks. Why do so many people say it was great? And why was there so much drama back then over the "controversy"? It wasn't even violent!

Answer 1

You have to remember the time period the film was made, as sensibilities were much more sensitive, not to mention the all too shocking was almost always kept away from the public (the prescribed 'moral' code that was predominant in Hollywood films up until the late 50s). Not only was the film controversial here in the US, but it was banned in most of Europe, as it was deemed rather indecent and perverse not insomuch for the storyline (woman marries man, woman conspires with lover to kill husband to get his fortune), but the fact that Tod Browning used actual people whose physical impairments and oddities was just far too modern and scandalous for the film viewing public. With this, the film became an underground cult flick. But the flip side of it all was that it was a type of role reversal, in that the circus 'freaks' in the film were the NORMAL people, and it was the humans (the scheming wife and her lover) who were the TRUE freaks and monsters, thus with Tom Thumb getting his comeuppance and his conniving wife her just reward.

Answer 2

Oscar triumphing movies from the Thirties: all quiet on the western front, cimarron, grand lodge, cavalcade, it got here approximately one evening, mutiny on the bounty, the large ziegfeld, the existence of emile zola, you cant take it with you and long previous with the wind. different large movies from the 1930's could be: A nous la Liberte, city lighting fixtures furnishings, M, Love Me this evening, hassle In Paradise, Duck Soup, King Kong, David Copperfield, The Bride of Frankenstein, a evening on the Opera, The 39 Steps, suitable Hat, la Grande phantasm, The Adventures of Robin Hood, Alexander Nevsky, stating toddler, the female Vanishes, Pygmalion, Destry Rides returned, Mr. Smith is going to Washington, la Regle du Jeu, Stagecoach and The Wizard of oz.. wish this facilitates!

Answer 3

Actually, that is a Tod Browning film and he also directed Dracula. The movie holds up well as a horror film despite your critique. Violence takes may forms. Freaks hacking up a woman into a human chicken qualifies. Just because you didn't see it doesn't necessarily mean it wasn't violent.

It is probably just dated to you. This is just a matter of taste.

Answer 4

It portrayed them as bloodthirsty killers when provoked.. and I honestly like the movie.. I like the story, I like the fact that they fight back.. I kind of wish the original end was kept.. but they just cut to the part where they show what happened to the two..
the only two who's acting was iffy.. were the two little people.. but, in real life they are brother and sister, so I couldn't say I'd do any better.. It would be difficult to act like you were madly in love with your brother..

The information about each of the actors in the special features was interesting...

I don't see it as a freak show in and of itself.. I really thought the plot was well thought out.. and it's true, just like with other Carnies.. Carnie justice was not unheard of..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w7aM_j2chQ
(For those who have no clue what this is referring to)

Answer 5

Sorry to hear you didn't appreciate it. It is a fun movie with some very nice horror themes in it.

The only controversy was over the use and presumed exploitation of the real freaks who appear in the movie.
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Answer 6

Exploitation of side-show freaks has always made for great controversy. They do like to "Freak" people out as does this movie. I find it disturbing.