King Kong

Kong is a giant gorilla who becomes attached to a woman put in his path as a sacrifice. His size makes that a frightening situation before the clash with modern life even begins. It is a grand adventure set-up with a monster at its heart, though I suspect a quiet word and a cup of tea would be of limited use here.

For me, the fear is in how little anyone can do when something that enormous takes an interest in them. There is sadness in it too: Kong’s affection sits alongside the woman’s danger. I would put the scare at a three. It is the sort of looming dread that makes me lean towards the screen, then remember I was meant to be having a relaxing evening.

This is one for a dark night when you want a creature film with some feeling as well as spectacle. It began the King Kong series, and its mix of live action and stop-motion animation gave the giant gorilla a place among human characters. Willis H. O’Brien’s effects and Max Steiner’s music help carry that enormous idea. I like a monster story that leaves room for awe and unease at once. Quite rude of Kong to make a cosy night so complicated.