Peter Jackson’s 2005 reimagining of King Kong was met with divided opinions upon release, particularly regarding its extended Skull Island sequence. However, for many, including myself, this film was an instant classic. From my first viewing in a stunning Indian cinema shortly after its release, to multiple subsequent watches, including the extended cut, my admiration for Jackson’s King Kong has only grown. Even revisiting it in a less glamorous local theater didn’t diminish its impact. The film’s enduring power lies not just in its spectacular visuals, but in the compelling performances at its heart.
King Kong atop the Empire State Building, a poignant moment in Peter Jackson’s 2005 film, highlighting the tragic beauty of the giant ape.
The central act on Skull Island, often criticized for its seemingly endless parade of action – Kong battling dinosaurs, humans, and monstrous insects – is precisely where the film’s magic unfolds. While some viewers found it excessive, this extended sequence allows for a deeper exploration of Kong’s world and establishes the primal bond between Kong and Ann Darrow, portrayed by Naomi Watts. Film critic Kevin Courrier astutely observed that this prolonged Skull Island portion might be attributed to Jackson’s deep affection for Kong, delaying the inevitable tragic New York finale. Jackson’s adoration for his giant protagonist is evident in the numerous loving close-ups he bestows upon Kong.
However, there’s another layer of cinematic affection at play. It’s hard not to suspect that Peter Jackson was also captivated by Naomi Watts during filming. The camera lingers on her face just as lovingly as it does on Kong. While a director’s infatuation with their lead actress can sometimes lead to cinematic 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, proving her to be far from a mediocre actress.
Close-up of Naomi Watts as Ann Darrow in Peter Jackson’s King Kong, showcasing her expressive acting that carries the emotional weight of the film.
The success of Peter Jackson’s King Kong hinges on the believability of Ann Darrow’s connection with Kong. Watts rises to this challenge, portraying a nuanced emotional journey. Crucially, Watts wasn’t acting against thin air. Andy Serkis, the motion capture genius behind Gollum in The Lord of the Rings, embodied King Kong on set, providing Watts with a tangible presence to react to. Serkis’s physical performance, even in a motion capture suit, was vital for Watts to build her portrayal of Darrow’s evolving relationship with Kong. Beyond the close-ups, Watts communicates volumes through her expressions and physicality, often with minimal dialogue.
Two scenes perfectly encapsulate Watts’s masterful performance. In Kong’s Skull Island lair, facing imminent danger, Darrow instinctively resorts to her vaudevillian past, using clownish antics and juggling to deter Kong. This almost silent film-esque sequence highlights Watts’s comedic timing and range. Later, in Central Park, after Kong’s rampage, a moment of shared joy emerges. Kong discovers the simple pleasure of sliding on ice, pulling Ann into his playful spin. This scene offers a tender respite before the tragic climax, solidifying the emotional bond between them.
The heartbreak of Kong’s demise is profoundly felt, not only due to Serkis’s motion capture performance but also because of the emotional investment Watts cultivates. Her screams from the Empire State Building, pleading for the planes to stop, are genuinely chilling and underscore the tragedy of Kong’s fate. For me, Naomi Watts’s performance is the anchor of Peter Jackson’s King Kong, holding my attention even during the much-debated Skull Island action sequences. She delivers a career-defining performance, demonstrating her full range of skills without faltering. While opinions on the film remain varied, for me, Peter Jackson’s King Kong stands as a modern masterpiece, driven by exceptional performances and a deep-seated love for the source material.
David Churchill, film critic and author, whose review provides insightful analysis of Peter Jackson’s King Kong and its performances.
— David Churchill is a film critic and author.
