Planet of the Apes (2001)
Watch Movie:
Planet of the Apes (2001) is a science fiction film directed by Tim Burton and is a reimagining of the original 1968 classic of the same name. The film stars Mark Wahlberg as Captain Leo Davidson, a pilot who is thrust into a dystopian world ruled by intelligent apes. Unlike the original, which was lauded for its groundbreaking makeup and special effects, Burton’s version takes a different approach, blending his unique style with the iconic franchise.
The story begins in 2029, where Leo Davidson works aboard a space station that conducts research with primates. When one of the station’s apes, Pericles, is sent on a mission and disappears into an electromagnetic storm, Leo impulsively follows him and ends up crash-landing on a mysterious planet. There, he discovers a society where humans are enslaved by apes, who have evolved to be the dominant species.
The ape society is depicted with Burton’s signature gothic and surrealist style. The apes, portrayed by actors in elaborate makeup and prosthetics, include General Thade (Tim Roth), a ruthless military leader who despises humans, and Ari (Helena Bonham Carter), a chimpanzee who advocates for human rights. The makeup and costume design are notable for their detail, bringing the ape characters to life in a way that blends realism with Burton’s fantastical vision.
As Leo navigates this world, he becomes entangled in a rebellion against the ape rulers. He allies with a group of humans, including Daena (Estella Warren), and a few sympathetic apes, like Ari, to fight for freedom. The film explores themes of power, control, and the nature of civilization, though with a more action-oriented and less philosophical approach than the original.
One of the most memorable aspects of the 2001 version is its controversial ending, which deviates significantly from both the original film and the novel by Pierre Boulle. After defeating Thade and seemingly restoring peace, Leo attempts to return to Earth. However, upon landing, he finds himself in an alternate reality where apes rule modern-day Earth, and the Lincoln Memorial has been replaced with a statue of General Thade. This twist ending, while ambitious, left many audiences puzzled and has been a point of discussion ever since.
While Planet of the Apes (2001) received mixed reviews, it was a commercial success, grossing over $362 million worldwide. Critics and fans were divided on the film’s departure from the original’s themes and its unexpected ending. However, the film is often appreciated for its visual style, makeup effects, and Burton’s unique take on the classic story. Despite its mixed reception, the 2001 Planet of the Apes remains a notable entry in the long-running franchise, paving the way for the later successful reboot series.
