This essay will examine Tim Burton's remake of the science-fiction film 'Planet of the Apes'.

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Laura Deighton

‘Planet of the Apes’ review

        This essay will examine Tim Burton’s remake of the science-fiction film ‘Planet of the Apes’.

        ‘Planet of the Apes’ is the story of astronaut Leo Davidson, who in an attempt to save his chimp is transported through time. Leo crashes in a futuristic time; a planet ruled by apes, where humans are enslaved. Leo is captured, with a tribe, from the slave owner’s shop he is bought by a kind chimp, who believes in humans and apes living in peace. With the help of her; Clara, and her other human slaves, a plan is devised to escape. They do so, and far from the city are greeted by thousands of humans who believe Leo is of great importance. But with the ape army following Leo and his friends, is Leo really special? Can he save them?

        ‘Planet of the Apes’ is set in a city, which is based on a mountain. The houses appear shabby and wind up the mountain, the road is a dirt track, suggesting primitives. In the street children are playing and older apes read the newspapers, this suggests heritance and similar resemblance to human culture. Trees are growing at the edge of the roads; they are lush and developed, which again suggest heritance and maturity. An ape is playing a type of harp, this portrays the image of culture and that the apes are mentally developed, in comparison to how we see them at present. Another setting in ‘Planet of the Apes’ is Leo’s landing ground. This is a marshland/swamp type place, with grasses of incredible height. It is very green, yet dark and eerie, which portray it as a place of evil and witchlike activities. However there is a lake near by, the water suggests life and reformation. This place may remind the audience of a rain forest, which inclines them to think of prosperity and health. This setting creates tension as it suggests both good and evil and the effects of each. It signifies the idea of how all good things twist to them has and things are not always what they seem.

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        The production used in the scene of the murder of the two soldiers by their leader in the swamp land creates tension. To begin the scene an establishing shot of the 3 apes with the town in the background is used, this suggests it is not of public knowledge and is of importance. Close-ups of the ape general are used to show his dominance, as well as wit and cunning ability. A mid-shot, in a low angle position is used to show the area destroyed by Leo’s shuttle, during this shot a tilt and zoom in is used to maximise ...

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