As I type this it's 2:46 AM, New Year's Eve here in Singapore, and earlier this evening I made the decision that I would go see this film at 11:00 PM.
Of course, being thirty years old I'm quite familiar with the story. As a youngster I saw the black and white version in segments, understood the components of the piece but no deeper comprehension than that. Later, at eleven years of age I saw the 1976 version with Jessica Lange and Jeff Bridges. Even at that young age, having sat through the entire movie I can say it had a definite effect on me through the power of its emotional elements and general film-making dynamics.
The 2005 version had me in a spell-bind. I realize most of the heated commentary over this film for the moment is centered on its spectacular special effects, and for good reason. However, for me, this movie proved to be much more than a stellar display of modern technology's visual wonders; it had a story with characters, and its effect was nothing short of powerful. At times humorous, others frustrating, I patiently and appreciatively watched as Peter Jackson developed the characters, set the stage for increasing dramatic anticipation and succeeded in nearly covering the entire scope of human emotional responses in me.
I've always used rather simple, yet unquestionably determining criteria for assessing the quality of a film. Basically, I ask myself several questions. Do I appreciate the movie's dynamics? Do I give a damn about its characters? Was it (whether uplifting, disturbing, painfully sad, humorous or otherwise) powerful? King Kong answered all those questions affirmatively. It's been a long time since I've seen such a masterfully blended work of modern, breathtaking cinematography and such carefully created, moving drama. As a visual spectacle, the film presented me with allusions to some of the most fascinating tales of wonder and adventure I came to know and love while growing up. As an example of serious, at times heart-warming and others soul-chilling presentation of the magic and pain to be found within the gamut of human emotion, it held me in a most attentive focus.
I won't comment on plot specifics as I feel that would be redundant, given the general public's prior knowledge in that area. I will, though, recommend it strongly if you wish to see a movie that will demand your attention and again, dynamically deliver one of the finest films you're sure to have seen in recent times.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
JD
Of course, being thirty years old I'm quite familiar with the story. As a youngster I saw the black and white version in segments, understood the components of the piece but no deeper comprehension than that. Later, at eleven years of age I saw the 1976 version with Jessica Lange and Jeff Bridges. Even at that young age, having sat through the entire movie I can say it had a definite effect on me through the power of its emotional elements and general film-making dynamics.
The 2005 version had me in a spell-bind. I realize most of the heated commentary over this film for the moment is centered on its spectacular special effects, and for good reason. However, for me, this movie proved to be much more than a stellar display of modern technology's visual wonders; it had a story with characters, and its effect was nothing short of powerful. At times humorous, others frustrating, I patiently and appreciatively watched as Peter Jackson developed the characters, set the stage for increasing dramatic anticipation and succeeded in nearly covering the entire scope of human emotional responses in me.
I've always used rather simple, yet unquestionably determining criteria for assessing the quality of a film. Basically, I ask myself several questions. Do I appreciate the movie's dynamics? Do I give a damn about its characters? Was it (whether uplifting, disturbing, painfully sad, humorous or otherwise) powerful? King Kong answered all those questions affirmatively. It's been a long time since I've seen such a masterfully blended work of modern, breathtaking cinematography and such carefully created, moving drama. As a visual spectacle, the film presented me with allusions to some of the most fascinating tales of wonder and adventure I came to know and love while growing up. As an example of serious, at times heart-warming and others soul-chilling presentation of the magic and pain to be found within the gamut of human emotion, it held me in a most attentive focus.
I won't comment on plot specifics as I feel that would be redundant, given the general public's prior knowledge in that area. I will, though, recommend it strongly if you wish to see a movie that will demand your attention and again, dynamically deliver one of the finest films you're sure to have seen in recent times.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
JD
Tell Your Friends