For the inexistent number of you who weren't aware, "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, based on J.R.R. Tolkein's epic novel, was one of the most popular film ventures in the last century, owing its vast positive reception mostly to director Peter Jackson's astonishing visionary style. The New-Zealand born film-maker got his start with no-budget gore-fest productions like "Bad Taste" (1987), gradually to more commercial but still artistic projects, including the true-crime thriller "Heavenly Creatures" (1994) and 1989's adult puppet production "Meet the Feebles". It turns out however, that from a young age what the eclectic director has really had his heart set on is a remake of the 1933 cult classic "King Kong". It was only after the success of LOTR that Universal Pictures let him fulfill his dream, and now, in 2005, the world gets to see the result.
The story is a stone-cold classic, one of the greats. A crew of film-makers venture to an uncharted island to shoot their picture, wherein dwells a giant prehistoric ape that captures their lead actress. Jackson's version, however, has a few elaborations. It is set in 1933, the year the original "King Kong" was released, and starts with a rather colorful depiction of depression-era New York. Carl Denham (Jack Black) is an ambitious and unethical film-maker whose latest movie is about to be scrapped by his investors. Before they can officially call it off, he plans a quick escape with his haphazard crew to head for an uncharted island for filming. There is one problem: he has no leading lady. In a rush to find one, he meets talented but unlucky vaudevillian Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts), whom he instantly recognizes as perfect for the role. Won over by mention of screenplay writer Jack Driscoll (Adrien Brody), for whom Ann has much admiration and respect, she agrees to come with them on their deceptively hazardous journey into the unknown
Much like agreeing to adapt a beloved masterpiece like Lord of the Rings, Jackson takes a huge risk by remaking what many consider to be one of the great American films. There will be a lot of disgruntled fans of the original who will demand to know why he felt it necessary to redo something that they might call perfect. But there is a very simple explanation for it that is evident throughout the whole film: Jackson just loved this story. It's not hard to see that this was a real labor of love for the acclaimed director, and this alone acquits the movie of any flaws.
Running at over three hours, the experience may get a little tiring, particularly the middle section which brims with monstrous beasts of all shapes and sizes, many of which have been inserted into this version, presumably just for visual impact. Whether they achieved this is a matter for debate, as excessive use of CGI can and has proved fatal. The visual effects in the film are, however, quite stunning; King Kong himself is a sight to behold. In thirty years the film will no doubt be laughably unbelievable in production and effects, but by today's standards it truly does look for all the world as if we are watching a 20 foot gorilla. Even the facial expressions are exquisite, which of course is the work of actor Andy Serkis, whom most will know as Gollum from "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.
Thankfully, though, these visual effects are not the focus of the film. Instead Jackson has, quite rightly, followed tradition and emphasized the essential 'love story' between Kong and Ann Darrow. In this respect Naomi Watts is as much responsible for the film's success as Jackson; she is quite sublime. It's no secret Watts is one of the best of her generation, but her conviction and vulnerability as Ann Darrow is a shock even after her equally impressive performance in "21 Grams".
Perhaps the ratio of remakes and TV Show adaptations to original screenplays has notably increased in the past few years; but as long as films of this entertaining quality continue to be produced, there's no reason for concern. A truly sweet and rewarding experience.
The story is a stone-cold classic, one of the greats. A crew of film-makers venture to an uncharted island to shoot their picture, wherein dwells a giant prehistoric ape that captures their lead actress. Jackson's version, however, has a few elaborations. It is set in 1933, the year the original "King Kong" was released, and starts with a rather colorful depiction of depression-era New York. Carl Denham (Jack Black) is an ambitious and unethical film-maker whose latest movie is about to be scrapped by his investors. Before they can officially call it off, he plans a quick escape with his haphazard crew to head for an uncharted island for filming. There is one problem: he has no leading lady. In a rush to find one, he meets talented but unlucky vaudevillian Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts), whom he instantly recognizes as perfect for the role. Won over by mention of screenplay writer Jack Driscoll (Adrien Brody), for whom Ann has much admiration and respect, she agrees to come with them on their deceptively hazardous journey into the unknown
Much like agreeing to adapt a beloved masterpiece like Lord of the Rings, Jackson takes a huge risk by remaking what many consider to be one of the great American films. There will be a lot of disgruntled fans of the original who will demand to know why he felt it necessary to redo something that they might call perfect. But there is a very simple explanation for it that is evident throughout the whole film: Jackson just loved this story. It's not hard to see that this was a real labor of love for the acclaimed director, and this alone acquits the movie of any flaws.
Running at over three hours, the experience may get a little tiring, particularly the middle section which brims with monstrous beasts of all shapes and sizes, many of which have been inserted into this version, presumably just for visual impact. Whether they achieved this is a matter for debate, as excessive use of CGI can and has proved fatal. The visual effects in the film are, however, quite stunning; King Kong himself is a sight to behold. In thirty years the film will no doubt be laughably unbelievable in production and effects, but by today's standards it truly does look for all the world as if we are watching a 20 foot gorilla. Even the facial expressions are exquisite, which of course is the work of actor Andy Serkis, whom most will know as Gollum from "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.
Thankfully, though, these visual effects are not the focus of the film. Instead Jackson has, quite rightly, followed tradition and emphasized the essential 'love story' between Kong and Ann Darrow. In this respect Naomi Watts is as much responsible for the film's success as Jackson; she is quite sublime. It's no secret Watts is one of the best of her generation, but her conviction and vulnerability as Ann Darrow is a shock even after her equally impressive performance in "21 Grams".
Perhaps the ratio of remakes and TV Show adaptations to original screenplays has notably increased in the past few years; but as long as films of this entertaining quality continue to be produced, there's no reason for concern. A truly sweet and rewarding experience.