The 2005 remake of King Kong, directed by Peter Jackson, remains a cinematic experience that captivated me from the first viewing. Just days after its initial release, I watched King Kong Jackson Peter‘s vision unfold in a stunning theater in Goa, India. The grandeur of the setting amplified the film’s impact, leading me to question if my enthusiastic response was tied to the unique environment. Upon returning home to Canada, a second viewing in a more ordinary cinema in Markham confirmed my initial reaction: Peter Jackson’s King Kong was a film I genuinely loved.
Peter Jackson’s King Kong: A dramatic scene of Kong holding Ann Darrow on Skull Island, showcasing the visual spectacle of the 2005 film.
Many critics have pointed to the extended Skull Island sequence as being excessive, filled with relentless action – Kong’s battles with dinosaurs, confrontations with humans, monstrous insects, and chaotic stampedes. While these criticisms are valid, during my initial viewings, I found myself consistently enthralled. Having revisited Peter Jackson King Kong numerous times, including the extended cut, I’ve come to believe that the film’s true strength lies in its performances.
Peter Jackson’s lifelong passion for the original 1933 King Kong is well-documented; it was the film that ignited his filmmaking aspirations. Film critic Adam Nayman, as recounted by my colleague Kevin Courrier, suggested that the prolonged Skull Island section might stem from Jackson’s deep affection for Kong, a desire to postpone the inevitable tragic New York finale. Jackson’s affinity for the giant ape is evident in the film, punctuated by numerous tender close-ups. However, another layer of cinematic admiration seems to be at play. It’s plausible that Jackson was equally captivated by Naomi Watts during filming, as the camera frequently lingers on her, capturing her every nuance. While a director’s infatuation with their star can sometimes lead to missteps, as seen with producer David O. Selznick’s projects with Jennifer Jones, Jackson avoids this pitfall. Naomi Watts delivers a truly exceptional performance in King Kong.
Naomi Watts delivers a masterful performance as Ann Darrow in Peter Jackson’s King Kong, capturing the emotional depth of the character.
The narrative hinges on the audience believing in Ann Darrow’s burgeoning affection for Kong. Without a convincing portrayal from Watts, the film’s emotional core would collapse. Fortunately, Watts rises to the occasion. Adding to the realism of her interactions with the CGI Kong was Andy Serkis, renowned for his motion-capture work as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings. Serkis not only provided the motion capture performance for King Kong but was also present on set, in a physical suit, allowing Watts to react to a tangible presence. Beyond the numerous close-ups, Watts’ performance is largely conveyed through non-verbal cues – her expressions and body language tell a compelling story.
Two scenes, in particular, exemplify Watts’ brilliance. On Skull Island, when Kong takes Darrow to his mountaintop lair, fearing for her life, Darrow instinctively resorts to her vaudevillian past. She performs pratfalls and juggling tricks, a silent film-esque performance intended to amuse and deter Kong from harming her. This scene showcases Watts’ remarkable acting range. Later, in New York, after Kong re-captures Ann, they find themselves in Central Park. Kong’s initial apprehension on the frozen pond quickly turns to delight as he discovers the joy of ice skating, playfully sliding around with Ann in hand.
These moments of shared joy offer a poignant respite before the inevitable tragedy atop the Empire State Building. The emotional impact of Kong’s demise is profoundly felt, not only due to Serkis’ portrayal but significantly because of Watts’ performance. Her screams from the Empire State Building, urging the approaching planes to stop, are genuinely heart-wrenching. It’s this depth of emotion, anchored by Watts’ acting, that sustained my engagement even through the more chaotic Skull Island segments that some viewers found distracting. Naomi Watts, at her peak, delivers a performance of exceptional skill, never faltering in her portrayal. While opinions may differ, for me, Peter Jackson’s King Kong remains a cinematic masterpiece, largely due to the compelling performances at its heart.
Film critic David Churchill, author of this insightful review of Peter Jackson’s King Kong, praising Naomi Watts and the movie’s enduring appeal.
— David Churchill is a film critic and author. He is putting the finishing touches on his first novel, The Empire of Death.
