Film Review: Planet of the Apes

Posted by Larita Shotwell on Monday, February 26, 2024

Planet of the Apes is an amazing film. A political-sociological allegory, cast in the mold of futuristic science-fiction, it is an intriguing blend of chilling satire, a sometimes ludicrous juxtaposition of human and ape mores, optimism and pessimism.

Planet of the Apes is an amazing film. A political-sociological allegory, cast in the mold of futuristic science-fiction, it is an intriguing blend of chilling satire, a sometimes ludicrous juxtaposition of human and ape mores, optimism and pessimism.

Pierre Boulle’s novel, in which US space explorers find themselves in a world dominated by apes, has been adapted by Michael Wilson and Rod Serling.

The totality of the film works very well, leading to a surprise ending. The suspense, and suspension of belief, engendered is one of the film’s biggest assets.

Charlton Heston, leader of an aborted space shot which propels his crew 20 centuries ahead of earth, is a cynical man who eventually has thrust upon him the burden of reasserting man’s superiority over all other animals. At fadeout, he is the new Adam.

Popular on Variety

Key featured players – all in ape makeup – include Roddy McDowall and Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans, James Whitmore and James Daly.

1968: Honorary Award (John Chambers, for makeup design).

Nominations: Best Costume Design, Original Music Score

Read More About:

Jump to Comments

Film Review: Planet of the Apes

  • Production: Apjac/20th Century-Fox. Director Franklin J. Schaffner; Producer Arthur P. Jacobs; Screenplay Michael Wilson, Rod Serling; Camera Leon Shamroy; Editor Hugh S. Fowler; Music Jerry Goldsmith; Art Director Jack Martin Smith, William Creber
  • Crew: (Color) Widescreen. Available on VHS, DVD. Extract of a review from 1968. Running time: 112 MIN.
  • With: Charlton Heston Roddy McDowall Kim Hunter Maurice Evans James Whitmore Linda Harrison

More from Variety

Most Popular

Must Read

Sign Up for Variety Newsletters

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy.We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. // This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Variety Confidential

ncG1vNJzZmiukae2psDYZ5qopV9mhneDjp%2BgpaVfp7K3tcSwqmionJa7psCMqJ1mrJiaeqK8xKxka2VhZ31xgJFqbHFsXw%3D%3D