King Kong

How this film uses it

Andy Serkis performed Kong in a motion capture suit, wearing around 135 facial markers. He also studied gorillas at London Zoo and in Rwanda. What you see in Kong's face and body is a real performance, filtered through a giant digital ape.

Where to see it

Ann and Kong on Skull Island: Ann wins over the ape with her vaudeville routine, and Kong starts to protect her.

How this film uses it

At 187 minutes, the film takes its time before the ape shows up in full. The opening New York scenes and the sea voyage give you time to care about Ann, Carl and the crew. That makes the later rampage and the ending hit harder.

Where to see it

Voyage to Skull Island: The Venture runs aground on the island, well after the film has spent time on its people.

How this film uses it

Ann is a vaudeville performer, and her stage act is how she wins Kong over. The film plays her routine like an old stage act. It nods to the early days of cinema while still working as a scene about trust.

Where to see it

Vaudeville routine: Ann performs her vaudeville act in front of Kong to keep his attention on her.

How this film uses it

Weta Digital built a computer version of New York in 1933 and the film blends actors with it. The streets look rebuilt from old photographs, with period fashion and cars. You feel dropped into the Depression, with no sign of the screen.

Where to see it

Kong in New York: Kong breaks free from a Broadway show and runs through the 1930s streets.

How this film uses it

Kong is huge and deadly, yet the film gives him lonely, tender moments with Ann. By the end, the people with guns look like the bigger threat. You are made to feel the loss when he falls.

Where to see it

Empire State Building: Kong climbs the tower and is shot down by planes. Carl's closing line blames Beauty for killing the Beast.