Table of contents
1. Introduction……………………………………..…………………………………..…...3
2. Freaks….………………………………………...………………………………..……..4
3. Monstrous bodies …………………………………….………………….……………...6
4. Outlook …………………………………………………………………………………13
5. Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………..…..14
Appendix…………………………………………………………………………………..16
List of references…………………………………………………………………………..20
1. Introduction
“I’m a creep, I’m a weirdo. What the hell am I doing here? I don’t belong here.” (Radiohead – Creep, 1993)
Since the beginning of mankind there have always been a few humans who differed from the vast majority. They showed (and still show) various features which separated them from “normal people”. These characteristics can be caused by genetic defects or other, medical reasons and lead to a life “outside of the boundaries of ‘normal’”. Physically and / or mentally they differ from the majority. Some are taller than average people, some are smaller. Some are hermaphrodites. Some have missing or extra body parts, some lack extremities at all. These so called “freaks” are defined by freedictionary.com as having “an abnormally formed organism” and “regarded as a curiosity or monstrosity”.
Tod Browning’s film Freaks deals with handicapped people, who comply with this definition and will be the core theme of this term paper, so that the role of monstrous bodies in this specific movie will be explained and analyzed. In order to do that, it will be started with a rendering of the movie’s content, important basic facts about it and its’ effect on the viewers and the critics, before the analysis will be focused. Are the “freaks” in the movie creeps and weirdos or aren’t they and if so, what else are they if anything? What was Browning’s aim concerning the role of the “freaks” in his movie and did he reach the goals he had in his mind or didn’t he? Questions like these shall be discussed and answered, followed by an outlook, whether the circumstances have changed today or if they are still the same as they were in the early 1930s. Therefore other kinds of media like youtube-videos and songs will be included and compared with scenes and /or the meaning of the movie. You will get into contact with such “freaks” as the role of them in the movie will be the major topic of this term paper. “If you don’t feel at ease with abnormality please step out, otherwise try to understand and let the freak flag fly”.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Freaks
- Monstrous bodies
- Outlook
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This term paper analyzes the role of monstrous bodies in Tod Browning's film "Freaks" and its impact on viewers and critics. The paper explores the film's context, its portrayal of "freaks," and the consequences of their inclusion. It delves into Browning's aims in using real "freaks" as actors and examines the changing perception of disability in the film and in contemporary society.
- The portrayal of "freaks" in Tod Browning's film "Freaks"
- The influence of "freaks" on the film's viewers and critics
- Browning's artistic choices and their impact on the film's message
- The evolution of societal perceptions of disability in the context of "Freaks"
- The potential for comparison with other forms of media, such as Youtube videos and songs.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction discusses the historical context of individuals who differ from the majority and the definition of "freaks." It introduces Tod Browning's film "Freaks" and its central focus on the portrayal of handicapped people. The paper explores the film's impact and the questions it raises about the representation of "freaks" on screen. It also discusses the broader context of the film, including its historical and social implications.
The chapter on "Freaks" focuses on the film's production, its origins in the short story "Spurs," and its censorship challenges. It discusses the film's impact on audiences and critics, its later recognition as a horror classic, and the consequences for Browning's career.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The paper focuses on the themes of monstrosity, disability, and representation in film. Key concepts include the portrayal of "freaks" in "Freaks," the film's impact on viewers and critics, the evolution of societal perceptions of disability, and the relationship between film, history, and social context.
- Quote paper
- Stefan Langenbach (Author), 2009, The role of monstrous bodies in Tod Browning's FREAKS, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/146865
