One of my schizoid reviews. On the one hand, this is soaked in academese, and a lot of academic discussion as to different modes of interpreting films. On the other hand, Erb's actual thoughts about King Kong are well, thoughtful. She discusses the film's role as not only a monster film but a jungle film, as well as the resemblanves with director/producer Meriam C. Cooper's earlier nature documentaries. Then there's discussion of the racial elements of the film, it's role as a 1950s monster movie when revived, and spinoffs and imitations. A real slog to get through but not without substance.