King Kong Movies Feature Some of the Best Human Characters in Monster Films
While giant monsters like King Kong and Godzilla often steal the show, human characters in these films are equally important in bringing depth and emotion to the story. King Kong movies, in particular, tend to focus on human characters more than Godzilla films, which can make for a more relatable and engaging experience. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the most memorable human characters in King Kong movies.
Starting with the original King Kong (1933), Ann Darrow is often cited as one of the best characters in the monster’s film history. Portrayed by Fay Wray, Ann is a demure and relatable character who finds herself on a perilous expedition to Skull Island. Her iconic performance has been parodied and homaged countless times, cementing her place as a classic film heroine.
In the 2005 Peter Jackson remake, Ann Darrow’s character was altered to create a more complex and romantic storyline. Jack Driscoll, portrayed by Adrien Brody, is a sensitive playwright who becomes Ann’s love interest. This change added depth to the character and made their relationship more believable.
King Kong Escapes (1962) features Dr. Who, a genius mad scientist who builds a robotic replica of King Kong, Mechani-Kong. With his wild silver hair and eccentric personality, Dr. Who is the standout human character of the film, even rivaling the monster itself in terms of villainy.
More recently, Kong: Skull Island (2017) features Preston Packard, a military commander consumed by his desire for revenge against King Kong. Played by Samuel L. Jackson, Packard’s character adds tension to the film with his conflict of interest with the other human characters. His relentless pursuit of Kong makes for a satisfying and intense confrontation.
These human characters, along with many others, help to elevate the King Kong franchise beyond mere monster battles and add a level of relatability and emotional depth to the films. While Kong is the star of the show, these characters help to make the franchise one of the most beloved and enduring in cinema history.