Look, it's our beloved president in a movie I actually I liked!
Before I post about a newer, more horrible movie, let me just say that I adore Planet of the Apes. Not the 2001 version, which I haven't seen (and from what I've heard, nobody should). I am referring to the original 1968 version with all the Charlton Heston you can stomach.
So, before I get to the gushing about this film's wonderfulness, let me complain a bit, though I have little to be upset with.
Problem 1: It was 1968, so special effects sucked. But it was 1968, so let's move on.
Problem 2: Why is it that in every film with any sort of remotely science-y adventure whatsoever, the token black guy is also the smart guy? And why did they kill the token black guy? If you're going to throw in a minority character to combat racism, at least let him live through the film. Please.
That's it. That's all I have to complain about. Bad special effects and a dead guy. These are still present in many films today, so I'd have to say that this film exceeded my expectations.
A bit about the plot, with a tip of the hat to some guy named Hal Erickson, who wrote the first halfway decent summary I could find.
Quote:
Charlton Heston is George Taylor, one of several astronauts on a long, long space mission whose spaceship crash-lands on a remote planet, seemingly devoid of intelligent life. Soon the astronaut learns that this planet is ruled by a race of talking, thinking, reasoning apes who hold court over a complex, multilayered civilization. In this topsy-turvy society, the human beings are grunting, inarticulate primates, penned-up like animals. When ape leader Dr. Zaius (Maurice Evans) discovers that the captive Taylor has the power of speech, he reacts in horror and insists that the astronaut be killed. But sympathetic ape scientists Cornelius (Roddy McDowell) and Dr. Zira (Kim Hunter) risk their lives to protect Taylor -- and to discover the secret of their planet's history that Dr. Zaius and his minions guard so jealously. In the end, it is Taylor who stumbles on the truth about the Planet of the Apes: "Damn you! Damn you! Goddamn you all to hell!"
I truly fear spoiling this movie for any and all who haven't seen it, so I'll do my best to tell you what I liked without revealing what I liked most. The big plot twist at the end.
And now, a list of what I liked:
1. Holy Mackerel, a movie with brains!
My god, it was brilliant. Apes and humans changing roles really does change your perspective, and hopefully this movie provides a smack in the face to any who believe in the notion of 'Intelligent Design' as opposed to 'Evolution'.
Let me explain. Dr. Zaius is trying to deny the fact that the apes in the film evolved from humans because it interferes with the religious beliefs of the apes. Does that sound familiar to anyone? Anyone at all? Let me just say, score one for science. And I'd also like to point out that this society that doesn't believe in evolution also believes that flight is scientifically impossible.
2. The humor.
Okay, so if you've seen the movie, you are probably wondering 'what humor?' I'll tell you what humor. The best humor around. The type that makes you think.
The best instance of this I will keep to myself, since all of you who read this will of course go and watch the movie at once. I will just say this. Three wise monkeys. Think about the meaning of the three wise monkeys, think about it in reference to the movie, and think about it in reference to reality.
I also must say that the irony was much appreciated. There's bound to be irony when you reverse the roles of apes and humans, but make the apes creationists, and it's almost too much to handle. For example when Dr. Zaius claims that for science to be 'true' it must be in accordance with their religious beliefs. Priceless.
3. The sheer profundity.
When you finish reading this, you must go watch Planet of the Apes, and when you are done, I am giving you homework.
Consider science, then consider religion, then think about why the two have nothing to do with each other. Consider how religion blinds us, where as science seeks only the truth. Answer me this: Is it better to live not knowing the truth about your origins, and about the universe? This is an important theme in the movie. By the way, it is an expectation that in your answer you either define better or substitute in a word of your own, the definition of which does not change from person to person.
Think about the idea of man's destructive capability going hand in hand with his intelligence. Think about how religion comes into play with this. In the film, the religion of the apes does not cause them to harm each other, but to harm humans. Do any actual religions cause people to harm each other? What about harming the environment, or species of animals? Compare and contrast a major religion to the religion of the apes. Venn diagrams are optional.
In discussing the film 'Apocalypto' I pointed out our culture's ridiculous notion that the earth was made for humans to rule and do what they will with. The apes in this film have the same idea. Will it ultimately lead to their destruction? Respond in a minimum of three paragraphs.
Your final assignment is for extra credit. If you desire this extra credit, you must bring me the head of a creationist, so that I might mount it on my wall.*
In all seriousness, though, you should see this movie, and you should think about this movie. It is profound, witty, and relevant, all excellent qualities. If you agree wholeheartedly with the movie when you do see it, I also must recommend this website. Just click the link. You will not regret it.
*I do not actually endorse killing creationists.
Community Member
I saw this one on Sci-Fi channel once.
I was sad though, because I couldn't find a blank tape to tape it.
Nor can I find a store to buy it.
t_t
But it is one of the best movies in forever.
HORRAY FOR KENZIE!
(P.S.: I am commenting all of your journal entries tonight, because I wanna watcha good movie tomorrow.)