'Congo' 1995 Film review - A Camp Classic that Deserves a Watch
- Bleu Friday
- Aug 31, 2023
- 3 min read
"Congo" is a 1995 adventure film directed by Frank Marshall. It is based on the novel of the same name by Michael Crichton. The films stars Dylan Walsh (Dr. Peter Elliot), Laura Linney (Dr. Karen Ross), Tim Curry (Herkermer Homolka), Ernie Hudson (Captain Monroe Kelly) and Grant Heslov (Richard). I discovered this film through letterboxd and decided “well this looks interesting, I’ll watch it.” I didn’t know what to expect from the film initially, I neglected to watch any trailers nor read any reviews before going into watching it. I sat back, got comfortable and lit me a joint of cannabis and pressed play. Considering that it is a film in large part about murderous apes in the Congo, I had thought that it would be more of a gruesome bloodbath with a sense of ominous peril pervading the entire thematic world. I went into this movie thinking it was going to be a ‘planet of the apes’ type of movie.
I was pleasantly surprised to be met with delightful comedy and witty humor that gave the film a balance that felt very inviting. I found myself laughing more than I felt terror to be honest, though the grotesque scenes within the movie were presented in such a way that it didn’t feel forced, it felt natural and necessary to the story. In the film 4 people (including an Ape who knows sign language) find themselves on a journey into the Congo, each with their own agenda but united by their common pursuit to get to the jungles of the Congo where a lost city is located. Their adventure entails exploration, conflict, bribery and a host of circumstances that arise just by way of them setting forth on such a grand pursuit. It could be considered a campy movie through its plane of discourse (which I for one, actually enjoyed).
“Camp is a term that’s always been linked to queer culture, but it’s also heavily associated with old Hollywood: the over-acting, dramatic close-ups and outrageous plots. In retrospect, many classic movies are now viewed as camp although not intended at the time.
In essence, camp is an aesthetic style and sensibility that admires bad taste and ironic value. Camp questions art and beauty; it’s theatrical, effeminate, witty and knowing. It’s a smile, a nudge and a wink. It borders satire but it’s about being in on the joke. It’s a postmodern viewpoint.” - Paul Madley, VMagazine
The story being told on the plane of events is solid, though I believe it could’ve been stronger.
Nonetheless the characters are well developed and involved, and Frank Marshall did a terrific job directing this film. In particular, I enjoyed that the camera angles were quite intentional as well as the scene cuts. Moreover, The comedic timing was spot on, the timing of everything in the film was pretty spot on but the comedic typing was exceptionally masterful. The characters are all very involved in their own ways and all have very distinct personalities that creates a very dynamic atmosphere within the story. I felt immersed in the world of the film, fully involved every way through.
This movie in my opinion is severely underrated and resonates with very niche audiences. It definitely isn’t a blockbuster film like Planet of the Apes, it has more of a cult/campy feel to it. It bleeds nostalgia and although it is a movie that has grotesque scenes, I believe this is a movie you can watch with the family or by yourself or with a group of friends.
Written by Bleu Friday
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