King Kong (2005)

Peter Jackson’s love for the original King Kong has been well documented recently, and this has been one of my most anticipated films of the year. I must admit to not having seen the original, recently I have been wanting to but have deliberately waited to see this remake first. I am glad I did as I can more accurately assess it on its own merits, rather than just in relation to the original. King Kong really is an epic film. Huge in size and scale, and fully justifying its mammoth budget this is impressive filmmaking on all levels, from the amazing cinematography and incredible special effects, to the little moments and wonderfully acted and realised characters. I loved this film, it is probably too long, and too indulgent, but is so well constructed and caringly made you can’t help but be drawn in to the wonderful world Peter Jackson has created. The film starts in New York circa 1933 and does a wonderful job of setting the scene and providing an accurate picture of the world at that time. The opening hour is relatively slow, building characters and setting up the middle third of the film on Skull Island , but it really well done and intriguing. There is a lot of time spent aboard the ship on the way, all of it visually impressive but also it is very good at slowly building the apprehension of what is to come. A lot of time is spent with some of the crew here, which is good, but seeing as they are dropped later on in the film some of it seems a bit redundant. Skull island comes just at the right time, and as soon as Kong appears the film lets loose. Flexing his action muscles as impressively as any other working director in Hollywood Jackson lets rip with a myriad of fantastically executed and constructed action sequences. It is all very exciting, very over the top and amazing to look at. These do sometimes come off as a bit excessive, and suspending your disbelief from the relatively realistic opening, to the fantastical nature of the island can be a bit tough, but this is such powerful stuff that you soon forget about realism. Now it is here that the genius of the film truly emerges. In a word it is Kong. I have heard it said that he is the single most effective special effect in film history, and would have to agree. The film hinges on him being completely realistic and having a real relationship with Ann. Within minutes of his arrival all fears are put to one side as you see this marvellous creature come to life. Whatever people say, for me Kong is real. He exists - in his sad eyes is a lonely soul. He is completely real; Andy Serkis (the man behind Gollum) breathes life again into CGI pixels. He is a wonder to behold and the already great film is elevated beyond reproach when Kong is on screen. Not all the characters are so compelling, but thankfully once Skull Island ends the film focuses rightly on Kong and Ann. They build a tender relationship in a few short scenes, and James Newton Howard’s wonderful score helps ground it in real emotion. The ending is perfectly executed and achingly sad as the theatre of human folly is exposed. Kong is a tragic hero, and a heroic character and makes this film without a doubt. The film is not perfect, Jackson maybe went too far in some places, and the story could have been more tightly focused, but overall this is one of the most powerful, visually stunning and enjoyable cinematic experiences I’ve had all year. Bits of it are perfect; the rest is just really great. Whatever your preconceptions I urge you to check this film out, and let yourself be transported to another time and place, but one of the view truly visionary directors working today. These kind of films are the reason I want to make films and I for one am glad Peter Jackson has finally gotten the chance to make the film he’s always wanted to, maybe one day I will too. Kong is a true revelation in this fantastical, epic and overblown cinematic offering. Brilliant performances ground it in emotion and Jackson once again provides a reason to go to the cinema this Christmas. Go and be transported.