The first film adaptation, simply titled “Planet of the Apes,” hit theaters in 1968 and starred Charlton Heston as the protagonist, George Taylor. Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and featuring groundbreaking makeup effects by John Chambers, the film became an instant classic and is remembered for its thought-provoking themes, memorable quotes, and iconic twist ending.
Despite mixed critical reception, Tim Burton attempted to reboot the franchise with his 2001 film “Planet of the Apes,” starring Mark Wahlberg. While visually striking, Burton’s film received criticism for its convoluted plot and departure from the original’s themes.
However, the franchise found new life with the reboot series that began with “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” in 2011. Directed by Rupert Wyatt and starring Andy Serkis as the motion-capture protagonist Caesar, the film explored the origins of the intelligent apes and their eventual uprising against humanity. Its success paved the way for two sequels, “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” (2014) and “War for the Planet of the Apes” (2017), both directed by Matt Reeves.
Now, with “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” on the horizon, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this beloved saga. Set 300 years after the events of “War,” the film promises to explore new territory and continue the legacy of a franchise that has endured for over half a century. With its rich mythology, compelling characters, and timely social commentary, the “Planet of the Apes” series remains as relevant and captivating as ever.
Is the ‘Planet of the Apes’ book different from the 1968 movie?
The differences between Pierre Boulle’s novel “La Planète des singes” and the 1968 film adaptation “Planet of the Apes” are indeed notable, yet both versions have left a significant mark on popular culture. Here’s a breakdown of some key distinctions:
- Introduction of Characters: In the novel, the story begins with affluent couple Jinn and Phyllis discovering a manuscript written by Ulysse Mérou, a French journalist who recounts his journey to the planet Soror. In contrast, the film opens with three astronauts, including Taylor, Landon, and Dodge, who crash-land on what they believe to be an alien planet.
- Description of Soror: In the novel, Soror is depicted as a lush and hospitable planet, with a civilization resembling that of Earth, albeit with intelligent apes dominating society. Conversely, the film portrays a desolate and primitive landscape, where humans live as primitive beings and apes exhibit semi-civilized behavior.
- Ape Society: Both the novel and the film feature a three-tiered caste system within ape society, consisting of gorillas as militaristic enforcers, orangutans as religious and political leaders, and chimpanzees as scientists and intellectuals. However, the level of technological advancement differs between the two versions, with the novel depicting a more advanced ape civilization.
- Interaction with Humans: In both versions, the human protagonists interact with primitive humans and intelligent apes. However, the dynamics and outcomes of these interactions vary, with Ulysse Mérou being granted freedom and prestige in the novel, while Taylor faces captivity and persecution in the film.
- Endings: The endings of the novel and the film diverge significantly. In the film, Taylor discovers the remains of the Statue of Liberty, revealing that he has been on Earth all along, leading to a poignant commentary on humanity’s self-destructive nature. On the other hand, the novel concludes with Ulysse and Nova escaping from Soror and returning to Earth, only to find that apes have become the dominant species. The novel ends with a twist, as it is revealed that the couple who discovers Ulysse’s manuscript are chimpanzees, viewing the story as pure fiction.
Overall, while both versions of “Planet of the Apes” share common themes and motifs, they offer distinct interpretations of Boulle’s original concept, contributing to the enduring legacy of the franchise in literature and film.