Planet of the Apes (1968)

We all know what Planet of the Apes is, but not all of us have seen the original films, or any of the films for that matter. I have to hand it to them, this film really was a masterpiece of science fiction, up there with "Dune" and "Star Wars". It has a subtlety that can't really be felt in films like this. There is action, suspense, and drama of course, but its not so much so that it has you on the edge of your seat. I was amazed at how far they went, even during this time period to make everything seem so real and well made, especially the sets. The ending, I won't lie, was quite infuriating, and probably one of the most widely discussed cliffhangers you'll ever see in your life. There are parts that get you a bit irritated though, say, problems that could easily be solved seem to be Greek to some of the main characters. Other than that though, there isn't much negative you can say about this film. I truly liked it, and look forward to continuing the series.

Planet of the Apes is the first and easily the best film of what would unfortunately become a mediocre franchise. But when it comes to the first film, what we are treated to is a strikingly distinctive classic of science fiction, as well as a marvel of creative and intelligent film-making; one that's filled with many wondrous sights and sounds - but by no means is Planet of the Apes a perfection production and it's not without it's flaws. By now most are familiar with the movies plot, which revolves around it's striking, sometimes brutal depiction of a primitive world, that's inhabited by intelligent apes that's dictated by their own strict, often belligerent brand of simian rule. Simply put, the movies basic premise is certainly one that would turn anyone's perception of reality completely on it's head.Starring Charlton Heston in one of his best and most important roles as the main character/space traveler Captain George Taylor (really a name more fitting for a truck driver or a plumber, then an Astronaut), whose in command of a crew of four (counting himself) and of their mission....... well let's just say things don't go as planned and that there are many surprises ahead - a whole movies worth. Planet of the Apes is in many ways a visually stunning film (for it's era), one that's brimming with beautiful location photography of many exotic locales (which is especially true in the beginning and end of the film), which fills your screen with many splendid wonders of the natural world. But even more importantly in creating this fantasy was it's extravagant and ground-breaking use of animalistic make-up and latex prosthetics, which at that point had never before been attempted on such a vast scale. Throughout the film you'll see dozens upon dozens of people, painstakingly fitted out in the image of upright walking "apes" with cloths, these remarkable transformations were achieved through the brilliant wizardry of the make-up department of 21st Century Fox Studio.Another notable contribution to the greatness of this film which cannot go unmentioned, is the phenomenally effective music of Jerry Goldsmith; who for this feature created a thrilling masterpiece of abstract film scoring. To my ears it's a surreal and transportive experience, one that thrusts you into an exotic sound world, filled with unsettling tension and foreboding atmospherics, that are constantly ebbing and flowing in perfect harmony with the movies glorious visuals. Many of the scores more unusual sounds (and there are many) were brought to life by a wide array of obscure instruments, from far-off foreign lands from around the world, such as Africa and India. Nearly every significant moment of the film is underpinned by Goldsmith's masterful music, which rings forth in a broad spectrum of mesmerizing tones and textures. In a highly prolific career that spanned nearly half a century, the music of Planet of the Apes is likely maestro Goldsmith's best and most creative effort to date, so much so that it's my opinion his music outshines everything else and is the best and most memorable aspect of the film. His music is just that good.On the negative side of things this movie does have it's short-comings and I do have a few complaints, which if you're at all familiar with the movie, is certainly not unfounded. Such as the poorly realized Ape City, which is far from impressive and is underwhelming in it's scope and scale, much more time, money and effort should have gone into it's construction; and at the very least it's size and grandeur could have been bolstered by the use of models and miniature sets (and on a very minor side-note, if you haven't noticed, every single wooden door seen on the sets look fake). Then there's the unwavering self-conceit and irritating "higher-than-thou" personality of Dr. Zaius (Mr. Positivity himself), his haughty proclamations of superiority get mighty tiresome and repetitive - you simply can't act that superior and not expect to wreak of conceit. Then there's the films action element/screen violence to speak of and judge and with the exception of "The Hunt" none of the films action-sequences are particularly impressive or hold-up to repeated viewings; and even though they are unique, many movies before and certainly after have much better action scenes. Another negative is that during the very last shot of the movie (the long-shot on the beach), if you haven't noticed, the films resolution nose-dives and as a result the image quality simply looks terrible, the degradation is hard not to notice, as it's anything but subtle.A brief word on the string of inferior sequels that followed this film, starting with 1970's "Beneath the Planet of the Apes" which as far as sequels go is actually pretty decent, but definitely not as good as it's predecessor. However beyond that first sequel all other installments of the franchise were done on progressively smaller budgets and sadly, but not surprisingly, get more and more pathetic with each and every movie. As far as the first batch of Planet of the Apes films goes (there currently is a revival of the franchise with the release of two new films) only the first film is essential viewing. And if you're a completest somewhere in the middle of all that, is the one-off that Tim Burton ill-advisedly made back in the early 2000's - which is not worth mentioning any further.

This is the best of all the Planet of the Apes films. For those who are older students of film like myself...we know just how amazing/ground- breaking the music, cinematography, writing and make-up were in this film. Sorry to sound cliché but Director Franklin J. Schaffner was a true visionary. Of course, two years after "Planet," Schaffner won the Academy award as best director for the movie Patton. Everything from the cinematography to the cynical nature of Col. Taylor were captured perfectly. What a great, epic film...all of those involved in the production did a great job and the film was the perfect vehicle for starting a truly beloved franchise...:)

Whenever I watch the original "Planet of the Apes" movie (and I've done so at least 5 times), I am struck by how it truly personifies the genre of science fiction.For a basic plot summary, the movie focuses on a group of American space explorers led by Taylor (Charlton Heston) who have been floating around the galaxy for thousands of years. When they crash land on a strange planet, however, they find out that the evolutionary system is backwards...with apes evolving from men!The hallmark of this movie is that it can be so serious within its ridiculous parameters. I mean, I think that even most die-hard "Apes" fans will admit that the presentation of the different types of simians in this film is utterly hilarious (from the walks all the way down to the facial expressions). If you are a person with no imagination, you would be rolling in the aisles, so to speak.As such, the fact that this movie contains such pertinent political/social satiric themes with such a crazy "Apes" backdrop is truly the epitome of science fiction. Some people like their film drama in real-life, some like the Old West, and others like fantasy or cartoon worlds (along with countless other genres). If you prefer your drama to be of the thinking variety and with shades of science built in, than this is the movie for you.I also won't ruin the ending for the one guy living under a rock who hasn't already heard (!), but suffice it to say that the ending provides the perfect explanation on such a social-satire type of film.Thus, I consider "Planet of the Apes" to be one of my favorite films of all-time. It takes some imagination to enjoy, for sure, but if you can open your mind to a little craziness you'll be prone to understanding the film's simple, yet bitingly accurate, social themes.