Planet of the Apes (1968) Retrospective
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ม.ค. 2024
- On this episode of Film Journal- the legendary science fiction adventure satire- Planet of the Apes!
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Sources:
The Making of Planet of the Apes, J.W. Rinzler
www.amazon.com/Making-Planet-...
Planet of the Apes as American Myth: Race and Politics in the Films and Television Series, Eric Green
www.amazon.com/Planet-Apes-Am...
Planet of the Apes, Pierre Boulle
www.amazon.com/Planet-Apes-Pi... - ภาพยนตร์และแอนิเมชัน
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I was a toddler in the 80s and this would play on the TV all the time, I was enthralled with it. I remember when I saw Roddy McDowall without makeup and feeling upset because I truly believed the apes were real. So convincing and emotive were their prosthetics and makeup, that I refused to believe anything else. Brilliant films, I loved them all. The sequels were the apes went back in time were so fun for me too, as they allowed themselves some whimsy and fun. Zira was just so cute to me.
I was 12 when the movie came out. Mom dropped me off at the theater. Knew nothing about the film. Just wow. Blew me away. A few years ago I watched it with my adult daughter who knew nothing about it. Blew her away too! Powerful.
I saw this movie a Zillion times and NEVER once realized you cant smoke aboard a spaceship. Guess Charlton Heston made it look that cool that i overlooked that fact!
That’s what I’m here for
I was 7 years old and had the great fortune of seeing this film on its first run in a packed theater. I still remember the audience reaction at the end of the film, if only you could have been there to experience it like I did my friend, the impact was unforgettable indeed. And yes, audiences were far less scrutinizing back then and more willing to buy in to the fact the apes were speaking English without question. Thank you for the fantastic video, it’s one of the very best I’ve seen on this film! Keep ‘em coming!😃
Perfect point! If Zaius and Haseline had been more welcoming the doom they feared might not have manifested. That is what always strikes me the most when watching these movies. It's not the kindness of Zira and Cornelius or Lewis and Stephanie that brought about the doom it was the fear and hatred of Zaius and Haseline. Haseline wondered what actions of his would be "god's" plan without wondering what reactions follow kindness and what reactions follow hatred. How much better would our own world be if people would only consider such thoughts and the repercussions of their own actions?
Excellent job George - well done! Massive Apes fan - have spent the last 5 years writing a book on the subject. The book focuses on the creation of the groundbreaking ape prosthetics - along with untold anecdotes from behind the cameras and lots of never-seen photos. The book has been a true labor of love!
Wow! That's really cool- I didn't dive too deeply into the make up effects but it's such a huge part of the film. When you finish your book I'd love to have you on to help promote!
Your side point about the importance of a shared cultural narrative is very timely. I’m 63 and I’ve always struggled with the mythology of the U.S. vs the reality… and how to reconcile the discrepancy without “throwing out the baby with the bath water.” But even as I condemn the Zaiuses among us today, I recognize the validity of their arguments.
That's so cool and what a great comment. To take the side of Zaius is a tough argument to make but I was hoping to spark some thoughts/ conversation. Maybe what we, the masses, really do need is a cultural myth to get behind- without that- what do we have to unite us?
Yeah like STAR TREK.
Science deniers have absolutely no validity in their arguments, whatsoever. They never did and they never will.
Yours is a very good well informed apraisal of PLANET OF APES
I like that youve delved into the deeper meanings/layers of the film, & it's relevance both to the political/social culture of the 60s decade AND how those same issues are still important to this day. Instead of just seeing a surface layer sci fi action thriller
I love this movie and have watched any and all reviews of it on the internet.this is the best,most concise,information packed,interesting,entertaining one ive seen yet on planet of the apes!awesome job George!im going to watch all your vids,its gonna be a good time,time well spent,to chill and learn about cool stuff!
Made my day to read you comment! It’s for people like you that I make these videos! Glad you enjoyed it!
In my original viewing of this movie when I was a young kid I wasn't ready and didn't get the significance of The Statue of Liberty in the closing minutes. My dad explained it too me but even then I was more interested in the action then the narrative and meaning.
Coming back to it years later when I was a smarter and older person, I finally understood the point my Dad was trying to show me with the ending and my appreciation for it went up tenfold. I like how it is a movie that can stand on its own as a fantasy piece or you can dive in deep and look at it as a full on allegory.
Great video! Love the Planet of the Apes films! The Statue of Liberty reveal will always be the greatest twist ending in Hollywood history as far as I'm concerned!
Well-written and deftly researched examination of a classic film. The bits about how the film connects to its cultural context were illuminating. Thank you for putting this together. (New subscriber.)
So glad to hear you enjoyed it! Hope you enjoy the channel!
You have some of the best retrospectives on TH-cam smart ,well thought out ,and informative . keep it going
Wow! Really appreciate that and glad you like my stuff!
Truly well done from start to finish
Really appreciate that! I hope you enjoy some of my other work!
True
@@FilmJournal absolutely , I just add that I'm very critical of all the presentation aspects of what I listen to or watch... And yours, in my opinion, is basically flawless and a pleasure. Good luck and be patient because in a year from now you'll easily have a hundred thousand subscribers
as a hug fan of the apes, the originals, I've seen every video on youtube I could about the first movie - and was coming in imagining it wouldn't be entertaining considering I know all the info - but I was so engaged, and want to give you MASSIVE props for such a well-made video. Hooked me right at the beginning. Taylor just smokin' a stogie in a spacecraft.
Wow! Huge compliment! I was worried that the market was too flooded for this video to make a difference but I found almost every review somewhat lacking in something and thought I could add to the discussion. Glad you felt the same! Hope you stop and enjoy some of my other work!
this is such a great video, great work!
This is the best essay I've seen on the great film; well done!
High praise! Thank you
Excellent video, subbed. I must insist you give the new apes trilogy a chance if you haven't. Dawn of the Apes in particular is a stunning movie. Koba being a FANTASTIC villain.
What a great Video. I learned alot man. Thank you im going to watch more of your videos
Thanks a lot man!
Why do i only find this channel now...bloody good. To the point.
Greetings, Tom, Brussels.
Wow! Thanks man- glad you’re enjoying the channel!
@@FilmJournal i was just commenting on another channel...how Charlton Heston got hated after that Michael Moore documentary, but the actor took risks, Omega Man, Soylent...and so on, respect !
Great movie great review
Great video. Thank you.
You bet!
If you think about the Andy Serkis films being the history that Cornelius and Zera know and tell when interrogated by the military police. The whole thing find into a timeline. But there own presence accelerates aspects of the timeline. It very interesting to see if the new Apes film will fit and act like a bridge
My first video and this was very well done. You earned a like and a sub. Gonna check out more
So glad to hear, thank you!
Excellent video essay. The Planet of the Apes is one of my all time favorites. I was lucky enough to not have the ending spoiled for me when I was a kid... blew my mind and then make me feel depressed. My kids also thoroughly enjoy it. I just recently re-watched the prequel trilogy... which I enjoy for the most part. The only original sequels I re-watch are "Escape From" and "Conquest For." Beneath is a bit too cheesy and overly nihilistic on purpose for my taste... also very, very cheap looking compared to the first film.
"... a green and insignificant planet is now dead. The End." 🤣
Really appreciate the comment and glad you enjoyed the video! Beneath is a 30 minute movie in my mind bc the ending is the only consequential portion of it. The whole first half is basically a reboot with a new Taylor running around ape city doing all the same stuff. The journey underground is very creative and inspired but the nihilistic ending is a little much. Thanks again!
Excellent. You have such a well-thought out way of critiquing. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
So glad to hear! Thank you
You’re most welcome. Thanks again for this great stuff. 🖖
good job will be back for more subbed - wonder if you’ve done Vertigo ? or plan to
Should do Vertigo it's an amazing movie, really glad you enjoyed the channel
Nicely done . . . Except for the random F-Bomb towards the end . . .
Very True! From now on I will only swear on the livestream. I need to clean up my act!
fantastic video
Thank you! 😃
Not to totally gloss over this video, but The Long Goodbye? Can't wait.
Glad to hear it!
Great and informative video Brother. However it's Bridge on the River Kwai not over the river. Sorry for nitpick lol. Enjoyed the video, you sure know your Planet of the Apes information. Well done. 😊
Glad you enjoyed the video- confusing bc the Book is called “over the River”. Got mixed up
The finishing scene with the Statue of Liberty does not have quite the same power today.
The fact that the apes speak English make it obvious that they have to be on Earth.
The narrative would not work in 2024, but it seems the rebooters got that. They made a
totally different series of films.
I can still enjoy the originals, but you have to keep in mind the time in which they were made.
I think you're correct. Audiences are much more savvy and critical. If I were to show a modern audience this film I wouldn't wait with bated breath for them to be blown away by the ending, rather I would enjoy their reaction to the satire elements- which I think are still strong and hold up. Thanks for watching!
Very good work, good selection of video bits and quite serious analisis (even if i think the second film is the second best and the third my less favorite of the five. You got a new subscriber. Greetings from Sweden!
Glad you enjoyed it! I hope everyone in Sweden is doing well!
Beneath the Planet was ambitious but ultimately kind of silly in execution. But the original classic is still one of the best Planet movies and one of the best sci-fis ever made. I also think Escape from The Planet is great, campy fun.
They couldve gone back to the book with Kingdom but they chose to keep the apes primitive in nature. Their ever increasing intelligence should make them evolve to understand the benefits of a civilized world with our modern conveniences.
I think the biggest difference between the original film & the newer is that the newer POTA pushed the subtext of animal rights/abuse more. It's there in the original too but secondary to the racial social commentary & science/secularism vs religion/tradition conflict & of course the fear around mutual nuclear destruction ever present in the Cold War. I really enjoyed the newer POTA films (hated the Tim Burton film) but still have a fondness for the OG which made me a huge fan of Roddy McDowell. Heston was in 3 classic scifi films--I Am Legend/Omega Man, Planet of the Apes & Soylent Green. I only knew him from those & of course The 10 Commandments so I never really associated him with any other portrayals or in a meta way. I did find it humorous that the original series portrayed the gorillas as the violent, militant faction when in reality chimps are much more violent & even engage in organized, armed warfare with other chimps but it wasn't enough to take me out of the movies. They are an enjoyable watch & kind of a snapshot of the cold war anxieties & social upheaval of the late 60s/early 70s.
You haven't seen any of the new Apes movies? You're missing out they're pretty good. Andy Circus is superb.
I saw the second one and thought it was okay, maybe I’ll give it a second try
The thing I hate about authors getting precious about their work being adapted to film is many of them see it as just an opportunity to see their book realized visually. They dont understand that cinema is a completely different format and requires a different approach. The statue of liberty ending is such a powerful cinematic image. I'm glad Boulle came around eventually. Others like Michael Ende with the adaptation of his Neverending Story novel jusr could never grasp this
Anthony Put The God In Gawdi.
Amen brother!
Fav scifi franchise. I say with the 3 sequels-prequels it may have lost its budgets but it does what science fiction does best in presenting themes which paralel our own society. Escape, Conquest and Battle share that quality especially Conquest
Beneath is my fav of the sequels for the sheer audacity of the ending
Highly landmark entry in film history
Yes Taylor does blow up the Earth out of spite, but I always found that part interesting and ironic how Zaius goes on about how terrible and destructive man is as the Gorilla soldiers who just got done slaughtering a bunch of unarmed human civilians and are now filling Brent full with bullets, and yes Brent was shooting at them too, but only because he knew they were just going around mindlessly offing humans left and right. Always saw a bit of hypocrisy and lack of awareness there on the great doctors part.
I agree, maybe I should have stressed that more. Not trying to exonerate Dr. Zaius! Thanks for watching
@@FilmJournal I would just like to add it's an overall great video. I always found parts of this movie interesting even though it has many flaws. I think if we were able to learn more about the mutants and their way of life it could have been better.
I only read Boulle's book once, but I recall the twist very differently.
Perhaps I got bored with it, but I don't even recall the part about the astronaut's return to Earth as I was much more entertained by a "twist" reveal before that/those chapters.
Without spoiling the book, this revealing moment would serve as a great "twist ending" that I found would have ended the story satisfactorily IMO, and that's how I thought it went (having only read it that one time many moons ago).
In fact , the reveal I'm talking about is given homage in Escape From The Planet Of The Apes.
Tell me you know what I'm refering to - - or did I read some bastardization of the original work?
Yeah, the hero escapes the Ape planet of Soulle and returns to earth- only to find that time has past and apes now rule. The part not a lot of people remember or might find confusing is that the novel is bookend and opens with two space travelers who find an account of the heroes story, at the end they decide it's crazy and must not have happened bc humans can't speak and it's revealed the space travelers are actually apes too. thanks for watching!
@@FilmJournal Ah, so it DOES end that way. Good. Because I like the implication that the whole account is perposterous from the APES' point of view - The movie demonstrated this concept in many ways too, but delivered a final truth rather than an open ended finale.
Yes, I appreciated your work, including the sacrifice of having to sit through a bad cartoon (come ohhhn, admit it? You had a little fun with that, didn’t you?) so as to be fully informed.
While I understand and sympathise with Boule’s arguments, in the end a movie has to truncate ideas to fit within their two hour formate. The idea of one character regressing to animalism due to his treatment, for example, is a movie in itself. Far wiser to acknowledge the idea with a nod and give it a unique twist; the lobotomy, which makes for a standout shocking reveal in the final film and remain focussed on one character with whom the audience identifies and will follow on their journey.
Ironic that you mention Robert Altman at the end there. As, if the film had followed all these various threads of the different characters, we’d have necessarily ended up with a Robert Altman style affair, which might have been great, but would certainly have been very different.
I also get your ambivalence as to whether the final product truly makes for a great film or something other? For me, it’s a great film because it achieves its intended goal, to resonate with the times and hold a mirror up to the audience, while being damned entertaining in the process.
I am a huge admirer of Rod Serling; the man and his work, and it speaks volumes about his character that he so openly acknowledges where his colleagues improved on his work by adding wit, satire and humour to the final script. And it is such a great script.
It was a perfect storm, looking back on it. It’s rare that a budget cut will result in an improved product, but when that happens in a film, it is invariably due to the genius of great writers having to dig deep and use their imaginations to solve problems, as was the case here.
I really enjoy your take on film. Just discovered you today, with your Charlie Varrick video. I will subscribe and spread the word here in the UK. You’re a movie buff’s movie buff, sir.
its the first two movies that work… the others not so much just get more convoluted
I disagree. Beneath is the best sequel regardless of whether Heston only appeared in the opening and closing minutes of the film. The rest aren't as good as the first 2 movies.
Beneath is good for the last 30 minutes, I know James Franscisus is doing his bets but the whole first act is just a re-do of the first film albeit less engaging. The Gorilla subplot however is more interesting.
True, I agree the first two were the best
I agree that Beneath is the best of the sequels, but only in its final 30 minutes. The remaining sequels are enjoyable and mostly well done (I’m not a fan of Battle… but even that has its moments), but they’re predictable… Beneath’s conclusion is arguably the most shocking thing in the series. Though it was also the first Apes film I saw at age 9, in the theater, during its original release which could account for my loyalty. 😉
I agree, beneath is the best sequel. The others are ok
I enjoyed it. I like the eerie vibe when they get underground. Plus General Ursus is one of my favorite apes.
Do you like the 1973 WEST WORLD film
To my mind another (though very underrated classic) it's seems to me that, many viewers failed to see the deeper social issues, of the film, being-gun violence & where it leads, the dangers of new technology, and the rise of too much capitalism, long before ROBOCOP or TERMINATOR
All excellent points, and I loved Westworld!
is that a bud light sign?... do you still drink bud light?..
For the apes to go back to earth's past, did they have to go into those hibernation chambers on the spaceship like the original astronauts did at the beginning of the original?
Yes, time dilation is big part of the book
Husslein.
Not
Hassellin
Heston went from playing characters who were religious or hated humans for their violence, to preaching for greed and the right to hold guns! Sure he didn't have an evil twin?
You keep calling it 5 movies…
There is only 1 Film in 5 Parts.
I would disagree considering the first film is an absolute classic and the other 4 are enjoyable but not essential.
Oddly unapologetically pro-Zaius... We should uphold "noble lies" lest we "poison the collective imagination of the country"? Huh? Good video on the whole but this was a strange and unexpected take.
We like to mix it up here!
If this film came out today it would be dismissed as being too woke by my conservative friends.
Lol probably true, also they were a little better back then at subtlety
@@FilmJournal I guess Zira and Cornelius are on the left. Dr. Zaius is clearly a right wing Evangelical..lol
@@FilmJournalwouldn't describe beneath as subtle 😂
Well today racism doesn’t exist like it did back then lol
What is woke about it?
I can tell you were raised with a silver spoon.
Is this somehow salient to the point of this video?
I don't get it brother- what's the issue?
America: "run by a hegemonic Christian majority"
Now run to the ground by a hegemonic jewish minority. 😅