I first saw the original--one and only--"Planet Of the Apes," back in 1968, at the Rivoli Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on a Spring afternoon (I guess I was off from school, that week) with my mother. I had no idea of the climax that was coming, and my mother, being a nurse and a reader of all things in the mystery genre, realized it before I. But, when I did, it was a stunner, for me and the audience.
I would love to know how this scene was achieved. Today, it would be computerized junk--and look it. Whatever was done 49 (yes, dears!!!!!!!) years ago has more of a reality about it than if this were attempted today.
Over the weekend, I saw an advertisement for a Sundance Channel marathon of the "Planet Of The Apes" movies, and, of course, this scene was shown. The aforementioned memories came flooding back, but I also thought, "What a terrific metaphor for the Trump administration. What a visual icon for the potential ruination of America!"
So, here it is, darlings. If any out there know how this was done, back in 1968, please share!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I went simply ape over it, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, to hell with ugly soul-less CGI: the iconic twist ending of Planet Of The Apes was all done with real craft and talent.
ReplyDeleteFor the overhead shot, the studio did actually build a half-scale replica of the crown and torch on top of a 70-foot-high scaffold.
The eye-level beach shot of Heston and Linda Harrison riding up to it on horseback involved Lady Liberty being carefully painted on a glass plate hung in front of the camera.
Movie magic: an art form largely lost in this pathetic era of computerized everything.