As a kid, I used to watch Franklin J. Schaffner’s groundbreaking science fiction classic over and over, and yet I was not able to fully appreciate the powerful underlying themes or sociological commentary until I grew older. On its surface, the film works as an entertaining sci-fi blockbuster with impeccable costumes/makeup, lively characters, and exciting primal action. However, when you dig deeper into it, Planet of the Apes is a highly sophisticated, grim, complex, and cerebral analysis of human nature and just how much alike we are to the apes. The first half hour of the film is a textbook example of how to build atmosphere and uneasiness, with our human astronaut protagonists finding their way through the deserted forbidden zone after crashing and being marooned on this mysterious planet. Jerry Goldsmith’s chilling score is nightmarishly brilliant and only adds to the mounting suspense. Cinema icon Charlton Heston was ingenious casting as Taylor. He oozes endless charisma, charm, and carries the film with his masculine stature and chews up the scenery with his likable screen presence. The supporting cast of apes is virtually flawless. Roddy McDowall is simply inimitable as archeological scientist, Cornelius. Roddy does a fabulous job at showing reluctance to help Taylor at first, but then seeks to defend him all while going against the sacred beliefs of “ape society.” Kim Hunter’s vivacious and rebellious Dr. Zira has always been one of my favorite characters in the franchise, and her chemistry with soulmate Cornelius is so warm and believable. Maurice Evans as the fascistic religious zealot Dr. Zaius is an excellent antagonist, challenging Taylor’s perception of human evolution and silencing all who dare question the Lawgiver’s sacred articles of faith. Perhaps one of my favorite scenes is Taylor’s trial as he attempts to undermine the ape’s perceived history in court by proving his intelligence. By the film’s end, both Taylor and Zaius prove each other right, with Taylor confirming the true origins of humanity, and Zaius validating humanity‘s instinct to destroy themselves. There is no true hero, as humans were the architect of their own downfall, and there is no better frame to end on than the hauntingly iconic shot of Taylor on his knees staring at the half sunken Statue of Liberty. Overall, Planet of the Apes holds up as a timeless masterpiece of science fiction cinema, a landmark that serves as both a warning of mankind’s destructive nature, and a profound social satire that transcends the traditional tropes of the sci-fi genre. 🦧 🦍
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