In 2001, Tim Burton followed up his re-imaging of one classic
story ("Sleepy Hollow"), with another re-imagining,
this time of the sci-fi cinematic landmark, "Planet of
the Apes." Burton's film took the premise of the 1968
original film and novel by Bridge
on the River Kwai author Pierre Bouelle, and ran with
it. With the film, Burton wanted to take a new look at old
material; the results, however, were generally not perceived
to be up to par with Burton's previous work, despite the inclusion
of some thrilling action sequences and one hell of a surprise
twist ending.
Burton's film included various nods and homage to the original
film, but told a very different story. Gone are the themes
and undertones present in the original film in favor of a
more straightforward action-adventure flick of the highest
and slickest Hollywood caliber.
The original film's intriguing premise of having human actors
portray apes was one-upped in Burton's film with the aide
of some of the most incredible make-up effects in motion
picture history. Crafted by make-up legend Rick Baker, the
anthropomorphic ape effects were nothing short of stunning,
entailing a detail and fluidity in the facial contortions
of the actors behind the make-up, such as Tim Roth and Helena
Bonham Carter, that lent to the overall believability and
creepiness of the effects. Besides just the make-up work,
the actors genuinely seemed to get into their roles and this
palpable effort is one of the film's more entertaining aspects.
Tim Burton's "Planet of the Apes" is above all
else a slick work of pop-corn filmmaking that would make
the likes of Steven Spielberg or James Cameron proud, and
the film does bring up many subjects of alienation, and equality
(among others); however, it is also a polarizing work by
a true creative force in a town known more for squelching
a creative vision than nurturing it, especially at
the level Burton has been working at for so many years.
Joe Cortez 2004
(Image captions Anton Phibes)
Tim Burton's Planet of the Apes is available
on a magnificent 2-disc Special Edition dvd which is filled
with documentaries, commentaries, extended scenes, pictures
and multi angle features. Buy
it now from Amazon and support the Collective!
You can discuss the movie with other Burton fans on the Planet
of the Apes message board.
Links:
Internet
Movie Database Page
Tim
Burton's Planet of the Apes
