Laura Linney Reflects on ‘Congo’: A ‘Delightmare’ of a Movie
Every legendary actor has to start somewhere. For some, it is a critically acclaimed indie darling that immediately sweeps the awards circuit. For others, it involves fighting off highly aggressive, laser-defending apes deep in a volcanic jungle. Golden Globe and Emmy-winning actress Laura Linney belongs to the latter camp.
Laura Linney Talks Making Congo
Linney recently took a stroll down memory lane to discuss her extensive and celebrated career. While fans know her best for prestige television and gripping dramas, her feature film debut remains a wildly entertaining piece of 1990s cinema. She stepped into the spotlight in the 1995 sci-fi action flick Congo.
Instead of shying away from a movie that critics absolutely tore apart, Linney openly embraces the chaos. In a recent interview, she lovingly branded the film a “delightmare” and cemented its status as an iconic piece of campy cinema.
The Making of a “Delightmare”
If you missed Congo during its mid-90s theatrical run, you missed a truly unique cinematic experience. Directed by Frank Marshall, the film was based on a 1980 novel by Michael Crichton. Hollywood was desperately searching for the next Jurassic Park, and adapting another Crichton novel about scientists running from deadly creatures seemed like a guaranteed goldmine.
The plot follows an expedition team trekking deep into the uncharted African jungle. They are searching for a mythical diamond mine, but they quickly encounter a violent, hyper-intelligent species of gorilla protecting the treasure.
The studio assembled an absolutely stacked cast for the adventure. Alongside a young Laura Linney, the movie featured Dylan Walsh, Ernie Hudson, Bruce Campbell, Delroy Lindo, and a wonderfully unhinged Tim Curry. The talent on screen was undeniable. However, the mixture of animatronic apes, bizarre accents, and over-the-top dialogue created a tonal mishmash that left critics scratching their heads.
Embracing One of the “Great Bad Movies”
Most actors prefer to sweep their critically panned debuts under the rug. Linney takes the exact opposite approach. During an appearance on The Independent’s video series “Life in Pictures,” she reflected on the wild ride of making the film.
“Congo’s one of the great bad movies of our time,” she shared with a laugh. “It’s a great one. It’s a delightmare. That’s what I call it.”
The term “delightmare” perfectly captures the essence of the film. It is a nightmare of tonal inconsistencies and strange creative choices, but it remains utterly delightful to watch. You simply cannot look away when Tim Curry is chewing the scenery or Ernie Hudson is battling jungle monsters with a massive laser gun.
Linney admitted she has not actually sat down to watch the movie in quite a long time. However, she has a highly relatable plan for her next viewing.
“I’ll go back to it when I’m really old and want to feel good about myself, and be like, ‘Oh God, I was young. I was sweet—look at that. And look at my arms!’ I’ll do that,” she joked.
The Legacy of Congo and the Razzies
Critics did not share Linney’s fond, humorous view of the film back in 1995. Reviewers battered the movie upon release. It went on to earn a staggering seven nominations at the Golden Raspberry Awards, the infamous ceremony that highlights the worst achievements in film. Congo snagged nominations for Worst Picture, Worst Director, and Worst Original Song, among others.
Yet, time has a funny way of shifting our perspective on cinema. What critics called a disaster in 1995 has slowly morphed into a beloved cult classic. Fans regularly revisit the movie for its sheer entertainment value. It does not take itself too seriously, and it offers a nostalgic glimpse into the practical effects and pure blockbuster cheese of the 1990s.
By calling it one of the “great bad movies,” Linney acknowledges exactly what makes the film endure. It crossed the line from terrible into highly watchable territory.
From Jungle Expeditions to the Ozarks
Looking at Linney’s career today, it is hard to connect the actress fighting animatronic gorillas with the powerhouse dramatic performer we know now. She has built an incredible resume filled with complex, nuanced characters.
During the same interview, she spoke fondly about her recent run on the hit Netflix series Ozark. Playing Wendy Byrde earned her three Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. She praised her co-star Jason Bateman, noting his deep understanding of filmmaking and his passion for directing behind the camera.
Her journey from a critically panned jungle adventure to the heights of prestige television proves that a rough debut does not define a career. If anything, it builds character.
Rediscover the Magic of 90s Cinema
Laura Linney’s refreshing honesty about Congo serves as a great reminder to not take entertainment too seriously. Not every film needs to be an Oscar contender to hold a special place in cinematic history. Sometimes, a “delightmare” is the perfect movie for a Friday night on the couch.
If you have never seen this wild 1995 adventure, it might be time to gather some friends, make some popcorn, and experience the madness for yourself. Have you watched Congo recently? Let us know your favorite bizarre moment from this great bad movie!
