The Unequaled Original Planet of the Apes

• Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner
• February 8, 1968 (Capitol Theatre) / April 3, 1968 (US)
• Based on the 1963 novel Planet of the Apes by Pierre Boulle

A group of astronauts crash on a planet in the distant future ruled by apes.

This is perhaps one of the greatest science fiction films of all time. Planet of the Apes was the rare attempt back in the day at a serious story in genre. All too often then science fiction that hit the screen was more aimed at children or were crafted as ridiculous monster films. I could count the number of serious efforts on both hands and have fingers left over. I am not saying we have entered an era where they are all fine dramas but the genre is taken more seriously now thanks to movies such as this.

It is a very meaty film that looks at so much. This film touches on man’s destructive nature, how religion can be oppressive, disillusionment, and even how when confronted with truth people can still ignore reality. Or you can look at it as a weird bit of science fiction with talking monkeys and Charlton Heston screaming an iconic line or two. Take your pick.

And this is stacked with talent. Charlton Heston as astronaut George Taylor. Kim Hunter as Dr. Zira. Roddy McDowall as Dr. Cornelius (which seems to pigeonhole him a bit in later years). All amazing talent. And at no point in this movie is what happens in the story treated as a goof. Aside from a few elements to remind you that these are indeed apes, there is nothing goofy. And even those bits are not overtly meant as hilarious. Like The Twilight Zone (clearly the end product was influenced by Rod Serling’s earlier work on the script) or Star Trek: TOS, this uses science fiction or just generally fantastical elements to take a look at real things.

I’m a big fan of practical effects and old-school make up. There is too much CGI in movies making them less art and more product. While not perfect by modern standards, the makeup effects are very effective at allowing you to forget these are people playing a part. The major weakness is clearly the jaw. And the actors perform as if they are these creatures. They’re not just people walking around in make up but rather they do their best to act as gorillas or chimpanzees or orangutans.

We get a broad range of characters allowing multiple perspectives on whatever topic is tackled. Of the three astronauts, Taylor is the jaded man, Landon (Robert Gunner) is on some quest for historical glory, and Dodge (Jeff Burton) seems to be along just because it is his job. That shortcoming for Dodge is probably a result of the times this was made but his inclusion and place in events was more significant than in other major productions then.

Dr. Zaius (Maurice Evans) is a religious idealogue who I dare say is not necessarily evil but his mind has trouble thinking beyond the religious doctrine and views this man as a major threat. He is trying to protect his people from this evil. Cornelius is a young and ambitious scholar who wants to expand the horizons of knowledge, but is afraid to do so because of the religious doctrine that controls society. And his wife Zara probably can best be summed up as a feminist who’s going to charge headlong into learning despite any risks to her.

They do a few tricks to help the with characterization and quickly set up any scene. The clothing worn denotes position. Taylor goes from the highest rung in society as denoted by his clothing and spacewear to the bottom wearing barely there rags. The gorillas (NOT Gorillaz) wear something like security guards. The chimps dress almost like laborers and the orangutans look like they are in dress casual wear. These are simple visual cues that tell you what’s what without beating you over the head.

The music is minimal yet perfectly used. It’s got a weird and otherworldly vibe that makes you feel as if you are indeed in a strange place that is perhaps a bit upside down. Jerry Goldsmith was a legend with a hand in so many great films or film series. He knew how to create magic. You can hear hints of his other works in this. Most noticeable to me is how this dovetails with his ‘Klingon Theme’ from Star Trek: The Motion Picture.

Things proceed slowly with the mystery of the situation being pealed away a layer at a time. The reveal at the end is probably one of the greatest twist endings of all time. It is absolutely brilliant and shocking and even if you know it’s coming it still works. I think in part because this is clearly filmed in sunny Southern California yet events actually take place not that far from New York City.

One thing I was always left wondering is are there other civilizations out there? Were there perhaps humans that survived that weren’t primitive and subhuman in intellect. Or were there other ape nations existing? The apes we see certainly think they are it but they know of nothing beyond the world in their immediate vicinity. Not that you really need to know, but it was something that to this day makes me curious.

Planet of the Apes is a film that shows you can have engaging and thoughtful science fiction in the most odd of scenarios. This examines many deep subjects with what would normally be the individual representative of the establishment as the outsider. It’s a unique way to take a look at things that is difficult to pull off. There are only so many ways in any given scenario toplace the authority figure in the oppressed role.

This isn’t a short movie either but it holds you from start to finish. It’s just such an unusual vision that you can’t look away from it. You have to see what comes next. You have to know just where this journey goes. And even if you have seen it dozens of times before because of all those iconic moment it hits so well time after time.

The original Planet of the Apes is a classic bit of science fiction. It is a fine piece of drama that tackles multiple topics in a way that leaves you thinking and talking afterwards. This is a must see!