Planet of the Apes (1968) – Based
on Pierre Boulle’s 1963 novel, this
far-future-set film sees Charlton
Heston’s astronaut crashing down
on a planet where apes rule. Spoiler
alert: in the movie’s final moments,
we find out that planet is Earth!
Beneath the Planet of the Apes
(1970) – While searching for
Charlton Heston (see above),
astronaut Brent not only discovers
an ape planet but an underground
city populated by psychic humans.
Escape from the Planet of the Apes
(1971) – Having out-rocketed
the nuclear blast that destroyed
future Earth at the end of Beneath,
three apes travel through a
timewarp to 1973 Los Angeles...
In defence of his ruthless alter-ego, Harrelson
declared: “Any character you play, you want to
believe that what they’re doing is just. In this
case, [the Colonel] has gone through substantial
hardship. And he really believes that what
he’s doing will lead to the saving of mankind...”
It doesn’t, of course. As we find out in the
1968 movie, the apes win. But, as director Reeves
acknowledges, knowing how something ends can
often make for a better storytelling experience.
“One of the great things for me about getting
involved in this iteration of the franchise is that
the original film exists,” he explained. “Because
it means we already know the ending. It does
become a planet of the apes and so the question
then is how. And when stories are about how,
they’re about character, they’re about philosophy
and they’re about emotion. You’re never not
aware of the trajectory we’re on and that informs
each and every move that we’re making.”
War, what is it good for? In the case of this
film, it’s wowing audiences. Do not miss this!
War for the Planet of the Apes explodes
into cinemas on Wednesday 12 July
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes
(1972) – Set several decades
after Escape, a plague has wiped
out dogs and cats with apes
replacing them as household pets.
Battle for the Planet of the Apes
(1973) – The apes have conquered
Earth again. Can they live in peace
with their human slaves? Er, no!
Planet of the Apes (1974)
– Short-lived live-action TV series.
Planet of the Apes (2001) – Tim
Burton’s effects-laden remake.
If anyone understands the ending,
please, please let us know!
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
(2011) – Attempting to cure
Alzheimer’s, a scientist breeds
a brainy chimp named Caesar.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
(2014) – Ten years after Rise,
Caesar and his tribe of clever apes
are prospering. Cue mean humans!