King Kong

Cole Huntley

4/13/2014

Film: 180

5-page essay

Comparing Kong’s Personality

Change from King Kong (1933) to

King Kong (2005)

Introduction and Thesis

The original King Kong (1933), produced by Merian C. Cooper, was the most groundbreaking action and monster movie ever filmed. In 2005, director Peter Jackson who is famous for films such as Lord of The Rings, recreated the 1933 masterpiece. Jackson uses the same setting and plot as the original but with advanced graphics and animation. Both versions of the movie have similarities, but they also differ in many ways. The 1933 movie set the benchmark for the plotline, scenes, and characters, but the 2005 movie adds its own twist on those three categories and most importantly it expands and enhances the personality of Kong.

There are several key differences in Kong’s personality in Copper’s 1933 original version compared to Peter Jackson’s 2005 remake. Kong’s personality in Cooper’s version is that of a barbaric, primitive beast that causes fear in all living beings. Jackson’s version of Kong shows an animal with the ability to love that also has personality traits such as jealousy, amusement and self-sacrifice.

Kong’s personality in Copper’s 1933 movie

In Copper’s 1933 version of the movie, Kong’s primary personality traits are 1) rage, 2) joy and 3) lust. His roaring shows Kong’s rage when he battles his enemies throughout the movie. Also, later in the movie, Kong shows rage when he tears the sailor’s bodies apart. His joy is shown by rampant chest beating when he finally defeats his foes. Finally, Kong shows feelings of lust, his most interesting personality, when he shows some foreplay and plays with Ann and touches her clothes. Lust is a typical feature of a primal beast because it proves his sexual potency. Kong lustful personality sees Ann as his gift or trophy from the local tribe. She is his possession and this is demonstrated when Kong playfully tears off several pieces of...