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Planet of the Apes (2001) 20th Century Fox Pictures 2 hrs. 3 mins. Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Tim Roth, Estella Warren, Paul Giammatti, Kris Kristofferson and a cameo by Charlton Heston. Music by: Danny Elfman Directed by: Tim Burton Planet of the Apes Rating:  
E-MAIL GIANCARLO DE LISI Many emotions struck me while watching one of the summer's most anticipated films 'Planet of the Apes'. Yet, the emotion that struck me the most was that of ingenuity. Director Tim Burton proves himself as an ingenious filmmaker and he proves it twofold in this exciting, inventive and thrilling film. The sets are spectacular, costumes are terrific and Danny Elfman's musical score captures the essence of the film as he does with all his musical compositions for Burton's films. The producers of the film have stressed that this is not a remake, but more so a 'revisiting' of the original. Anyone who compares this film to the original is gravely mistaken due to the mere fact that the 2001 version has been dichotomized by one of the 'soon to be' legendary alternative filmmakers - Tim Burton. This film widely separates itself from the original as seen from its' first frame and takes off on a whole new different direction. The film opens with a great credit intro. sequence displaying Danny Elfman's fierce musical score which sets the film's tone not as an unrealistic fantasy, but as a rousing sci-fi/adventure. The opening scene depicts Wahlberg's ill-fated space station attempt at conducting test runs with the ape species. After a mishap forces him off the ship, Wahlberg's character Leo Davidson finds himself crash landing on a distant planet ruled by apes. This is where the fun begins… Director Tim Burton puts a classic spin in this film invoking the notion of role reversal. In this planet, humans are the pets, the slaves, in essence humans on that planet are all the things we as humans on this planet earth shape and torture our inferiors to be. A great scene is one of the very first that immediately displays the intelligence of these iron fist creatures conversing around the dinner table about the threat of the human species. Enter this year's ultimate movie villain - General Thade. The incredibly underestimated and unrecognizable Tim Roth plays this overachieving ape villain who is hell-bent on the total annihilation of all humans with fierce audacity and destruction. Upon the dissection of this film as a cinematic lesson, one will discover many 'plot holes' - (Did Leo Davidson and Ari, his rebellious ape escort have a love affair?) Many more plot holes - (Did Leo Davidson and Estella Warren's human rebel Daena also have an affair?). Mysterious deaths not explained - (Why exactly did one character so unexpectedly sacrifice himself for the sake of others and the rest of pack continue on as if nothing happened?) These mind-benders as well as others will occupy the intelligent filmgoer's mind for quite some time after the film. Yet, these questions can all be put to rest because Burton does not set out to win awards with this film (Except for Best Make-Up come Oscar time for Rick Baker). This film is merely a means of the best of the 'popcorn blockbusters' this summer. As well, we see Burton's maturity as a Director in relation to the grandeur of a film. Let's face it - the revisiting of the classic apes' films is a huge undertaking. And for Tim Burton to create and present a richly satisfying, fun film is quite the achievement. Anyone who expects a brash film course should not watch this film. This film wants the audience to have fun and to dwell into a world never seen before in this uniqueness. Therefore in this sense, the film scores some big points in terms of imagination and vision. The film makes it a point of paying 'homage' to the originals yet distancing it enough so it is not afraid to make fun of itself. Furthermore, despite its surreal qualities, fantastic set pieces and incredibly true to life ape creatures brought to life by a wonderful cast, the film's major drawback is that it seems too dark and animalistic for its' own good. We are all aware that Burton's visionary uniqueness is brought forward with dark sets and spooky visions. Yet, it seems as if Burton intentionally wants us to know this is his creation even when we are entangled within the film, resulting in the darkness and primal aesthetic being overused. But in an odd way this is what adds to the genius and excellence of it all. Resulting in this film easily regarded as one of Burton's best films. Click here to comment on this review or post your own thoughts. Giancarlo De Lisi © TheWorldJournal.com |
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