Franklin J. Schaffner's 1968 "Planet of the Apes" might not be stellar moviemaking, but the last three decades have proven it to be quite a cult classic.
Oscar-winner Charlton Heston is Colonel Taylor, who commands a four-passenger deep space exploration ship. In his character's impassioned and homesick soliloquy, we learn that (in the world of Hollywood physics) time passes at a slowed rate in deep space, so the crew spends centuries away from their home planet.
Thanks to a disastrous malfunction of American space technology and a subsequent crash landing on a bizarre, unrecognizable planet, the crew escapes the vessel with minimal supplies and begins to trek across the barren wasteland. Eventually, the crew comes across a primitive, Neanderthal race of human beings oppressed by a hyper-intelligent, dominant species of ape.
The apes have no reservations in showing their disgust and utter disregard for humans. When not being forced into slave labor, humans are regularly used for scientific experiments. One high-ranking ape official Dr. Zaius even states he has no trouble using humans for experimental brain surgery, but not for behavioral experiments as those would imply that humans exhibit some sort of civilized behavior.
Despite its contributions to the world of sci-fi, "Apes" certainly has its elements of cinematic camp. Heston's irrepressible zeal seems somewhat silly when directed at a giant, fully clothed ape. Furthermore, the caustic, dissonant orchestra soundtrack, meant to instill fear in the audience, only creates a need for Advil.
Despite these shortcomings, the movie's occasionally terrifying plot and underlying morals pertaining to survival and tolerance elevate it. The apes' savagery and treatment of humans as slaves forces us to reevaluate our own past. One scene, in particular, featuring three smiling apes standing atop a pile of dead human bodies, creates chills. The sight of humans running in fear as apes mercilessly slaughter them is enough to make any human question his or her role as most intelligent lifeform in the universe.
Schaffner also takes several other moral stances on the eternal struggle between science and religion, the dangers of nuclear holocaust, and the struggles between different classes.
No review of "Apes" would be complete without at least a passing mention of its ending. The film's famed conclusion alone enough to plunge the viewer into a serious anxiety attack and, by itself, justifies seeing the film.
In terms of the Virginia Film Festival, "Apes" is without a doubt essential viewing. Once again, viewers can enjoy the film on the big screen, where Leon Shamroy's grand, sweeping shots can be fully appreciated. Additionally, the "Apes" franchise is on the verge of a full-fledged revival. 20th Century Fox is currently producing an update of the film under the helm of brooding "Batman" director Tim Burton and with Mark Wahlberg reprising the role of Col. Taylor. See the original first so you can take a stance on the remake.
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