Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner in 1968, the very first adaptation of “Planet of the Apes” is one of the essentials of science fiction.
SPOILERS – Warning, the article below reveals potential spoilers. If you do not wish to know its contents, please do not read what follows…
Are you interested in science fiction and want to know which are the classics of the genre to discover first? A few years ago, at the AlloCiné Editorial team, we tried to determine which were the 10 essential feature films in this area and to compile them within the same file.
While we recently talked about Close Encounters of the Third Kind, by Steven Spielberg, let’s return today to another monument: The Planet of the Apes, first of its name, freely adapted from the novel by Pierre Boulle, and directed by Franklin J. Schaffner in 1968.
(rating)
What is it about ?
It follows the nightmarish adventure of astronauts Taylor, Landon and Dodge who, at the end of a space journey lasting almost two millennia, after a long hibernation, crash on an unknown and apparently deserted planet. While exploring the area, they soon discover primitive humans, dressed in simple animal skins, but realize that they are being pursued by… monkeys. Dressed in armor, equipped with guns and mounted on horses, the primates even founded a real society.
Franklin J. Schaffner’s film, to which we also owe the excellent Patton and Papillon, remains particularly memorable for the disturbing themes it addresses, as well as for its very particular primal atmosphere, imbued with Jerry Goldsmith’s strange score.
20th century Fox
A chilling conclusion
Worn by Charlton Heston and served by the remarkable makeup of John Chambers (then undercover for the CIA), Planet of the Apes has carved out a special place in the history of science fiction thanks to its final twist, all simply chilling.
A terrible and desperate scene during which the protagonist, after escaping the monkeys and walking along a beach, discovers with horror the remains of a monument he knows very well: the Statue of Liberty.
He then understands that Planet of the Apes is none other than… Earth.
20th century Fox
Many other films
A true classic of the genre, Schaffner’s film will be followed by 4 sequels, made between 1970 and 1973. After another (fairly forgettable) attempt by Tim Burton in 2001, the timeless themes of Planet of the Apes will give rise to another saga of high quality, the first three parts of which will be notably marked by the unforgettable performance of Andy Serkis (in the role of César).
A fourth part, which seems to be closer to the 1968 film, is planned for May 8.
(Re)discover its trailer…