WARNING! MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD.
At the begging of the film Freaks (One of the greatest films ever made), we see a scroll describing the history of mankind's views of "monstrosities". We are told that because of the way these oddities have been treated by "normal" people, a special code has been taken among freaks. At first glance this film might be seen as a pretty typical revenge flick, if that were true it wouldn't have been banned for thirty years or remained in the public consciousness to this day. What "Freaks" is really about is power, and who has it. The film opens with two little people, Hans and Frida. Hans has a large inheritance and is going out with Frida. We meet Cleopatra, a normal sized trapeze artist, described as "beautiful" and a strongman named Hercules. "Freaks" plays with our perceptions, in the begging Hercules girlfriend (Venus) is leaving him, Hercules shouts "I've just been wasting my time and money on you" he grabs some perfume from her. The truth is, as Venus states, "I'm the one who has spending all the money" of course she is not able to get the perfume back, she does not have the physical prowess (no one person could). Hercules (strength) soon finds Cleopatra (beauty) and together their hatred of all things different and lust for money overtake them (pretty easy for these two).
Freaks contains a few story lines, or slice of life moments.In one unforgettable scene we see two land owners come across a group of the circus performers, at first the men freak out and start screaming. While the performers are able to play on these men's sympathies (and are able to stay and play), it's obvious the men with the land have the power. There are many moments showing how those who have take advantage of those who don't. At one point Hercules actually knocks out The half man-half woman. There are also sweet scenes, like the one where the bearded lady has a baby.
I don't think Browning is saying that money corrupts absolutely. In the beginning of the film Hans has the money and seems relatively happy. There is a perfect moment when we see Hercules ordering "six eggs, let's make it a light day" reflected against Frida telling Hans he shouldn't "smoke such a big cigar" and he promptly asks for "five lumps of sugar in his coffee". This is before (not too long) Hans is seduced by Cleopatra. I think this is the point Browning is making. He is pointing out that money is power, but, greed, gluttony and an unhappiness with ones own lot turns us into a monster. I think it's similar to saying "guns don't kill people, people kill people, but guns make it a hell of a lot easier and do way more damage."(money being guns in this example)(I could have used a lube metaphor but decided to keep it classy). This has always been my trouble with (my extremely limited) reading on Marx. I understand that changing ones surroundings can change ones perception, I agree that making everything a commodity turns us into pawns. I ask the question: Isn't making things a goal, make us a slave to things? Of course I guess the argument against this is, that is what those in power want the oppressed to think. Like an abused person making excuses for their abuser.
As the story progresses Cleopatra takes advantage of Hans being smitten with her. She asks for loans of which he obliges. The "normal" sized performers mock Hans (when I talk about the normal sized performers being bigoted, I am saying a majority of those in the movie. Not all normal sized people in "Freaks" are assholes. I wouldn't want anyone to think there is a theme of segregation or "different" people not being able to get along.). As one woman say's "Cleopatra ain't one of us, she'd spit on him if he wasn't buying her presents". Frida tries explaining to Hans "She is just laughing at you." Hans can not see past the exterior (I would think you could look into it and say Cleopatra makes Han feel more "normal"). Frida accidentally spills the beans to Cleopatra about how much Hans is really worth. Cleopatra decides to marry Hans and kill him!
So to recap: Strength and beauty (by stereotypical western standards) assimilate into an oppressed group of people, feign friendship, find out what resources said oppressed group has, mock the oppressed and plan to systematically and slowly kill them in order to gain the riches.
In the end the freaks fight back and turn Cleopatra into one of their own (in the original Hercules was castrated, but this version was cut and all footage is gone.)
"Freaks" asks many important questions about commodity. Humans as commodity, money as commodity, the feeling of being normal as commodity. Are we the viewers exploiting the people in the film? I would say a firm, no. Browning worked in the circus, he knows these people. Is there any difference between someone paying to go see a band, movie, sporting event, etc or a freak show? All of us are being exploited in some way. So the real question is are we being exploited honestly, knowingly, and to a degree we think is fair. So the question of the "capitalist monster" is a good one. I would say Hercules and Cleopatra are indeed monsters because what they did was underhanded and was an attempt to destroy others to benefit themselves. I think that is the real problem with capitalism, it seems there is never enough. Hans was o.k. with buying Cleopatra things because he thought she was beautiful, but that wasn't enough for her. Cleopatra needed everything from Hans, including his life.
There is a really wonderful message of people sticking together when they are being treated unfairly. It seems that the only way the oppressed can defeat the oppressors is all of them working together for their own good. The code they live by keeps them strong. I think that easier said then done in reality. Another really good example of the "capitalist monster" is The Elephant Man by David Lynch, if you get a chance check that one out as well.
One of the greatest experiences of my life was a long chat with Ward Hall. If you are at all interested about the history of the sideshow check out http://www.amazon.com/Ward-Hall-Sideshow-Tim-OBrien/dp/0974332429
"Freaks" fan made trailer
Short Ward Hall doc
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