Freaks

Freaks

1. What Makes it Shocking?

   • Unexpected powerful film given MGM reputation
   • Unbroken succession of contextually disturbing imagery
   • Likely never seen before at the time
   • Intimidating scenes of apparant cultism or generalised aggression
   • Cruel, real treatment of 'freaks'
   • Film was a new media, not yet developed niche audiences
   • Uncomfortable with being unable to categorise cast into binary 'boxes' i.e. gender, age

2. Against release

   • Shocking
   • Exploited to disabled cast
   • Some viewers my come for "unworthy reasons"- BBFC

3. Owned by Metro Goldwyn Mayer

   • By 1952 it was owned by Adelphi Films
     • Arthur Dent
   • Known for light-hearted mainstream films

4. A 1932 Tod Browning Film

   • Grew up influenced by circus 'freaks'

5. Not released in Britain until 30 years later

   • The H (horror) rating released also in 1932
     • This was for Frankenstein, but did not help 'Freaks'' release.
   • Released with an X rating 1963
   • First released in America, then London
     • Released in an art house for a niche audience, complete with a warning of the content

6. For release

   • Had fairly positive reviews when finally released
     • Message understood
   • Arthur Dent- the sympathetic portrayal should eliminate feelings of horror
     • "deserves to be seen by the adult public"
     • Positive message

7. 1930s context

   • Patriarchal
     • Men are providers
     • Women have a domestic role
   • Shrinking rich/poor divide
     • Masses to advertise to
     • Living standards improving
     • More money to be spent on luxury
   • Religion
     • Family role
     • Decency
   • Inequality
     • Freaks not seen as people
     • Minorities looked down upon
     • Working class and disabled

8. Essay saved on laptop for more detail