King Kong - King Sized Entertainment

Peter Jackson, three time academy award winner, has once again proved why he is one of the most acclaimed directors of our times. The first time I heard of King Kong my first thought was why would someone like Jackson make a movie on this clichéd and unoriginal subject. Frankly, I didn't think much of it. But the day I saw a full sized close up of King Kong's face - those wild eyes, flaring nostrils, furrowed brows were ferocity personified and I knew I just had to see the beast in action.

The story has some strong characters - An unemployed small time stage actress Anna, a desperate, overly ambitious motion picture director Carl, a love stricken script writer Jack and above all the Beast himself. A majestic figure, the king of the jungle where he lives, the most ferocious creature, unchallenged in bravery and strength is magically transformed into a tame, harmless figure in the presence of a vulnerable Anna. These two aspects of King Kong's personality are beautifully captured in the scene where he is fighting with two giant godzilla type lizards while at the same time protecting Anna in his hands. The silent relationship forged between the two is sublimely crafted. And of course, in inimitable Jackson style the movie has some spectacular action scenes involving ingenious creatures like deadly cockroaches, potent lizards and slithering monsters with hundreds of tentacles.

In spite of a jaded story line the film is carried off by some brilliant performances and breathtaking direction.