After the crash of a spaceship on an apparently desolated planet, the only surviving crew members are captured by a group of highly evolved Apes. They act like humans, are dominant on the planet, and have reduced humans to an almost-animal state. The fact that the newly-arrived humans are able to talk and reason will shock the Apes and create confrontation within the group of leading members of the tribe. Planet of the Apes has plenty of action, thrill and mystery, and it is very entertaining. However, the dialogues and atmosphere of the film are permeated by a subtle restlessness that unsettles the viewer from the beginning to the very end. Planet of the Apes is not only an entertaining science-fiction film, but a mesmerising reflection on Human and Animal Nature, the position of Humans within the animal world, and racial superiority and segregation theories. The script is very philosophical and poignant and presents many difficult subjects, which were very relevant at the time, in a very light, unconventional non-confrontational way. In a way, Planet of the Apes is a social and political parable. The script is an adaptation of the eponymous novel by Pierre Boulle.
The actors are all terrific in their respective roles. Charlton Heston is good and believable in his role of George Taylor, while Linda Harrison is pretty as the pretty Nova. However, the actors playing the main Apes Cornelius, Zira and Dr. Zaius (Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter and Maurice Evans, respectively) really steal the show, not because of their masks and dresses, but because of their performances are so good that the viewer soon forgets about the make-up and sees them as real characters.
The film is visually impacting, still today, despite the lack of computerised special effects. The make-up and dresses are unbelievable. The ending offers us one of the most iconic stunning surprising endings and images in Film History, and that is a lot to say.
Although some of the issues implicitly discussed in the film are out of date, the films is still terrific. One wonders why a remake was necessary, the original being so good.
An unforgettable classic.
