Marina Antunes [Celluloid 01.10.20] documentary



1968 was a huge year in film, especially for fans of science fiction, with the release of both Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey and Franklin J. Schaffner's Planet of the Apes.


The two movies couldn't be more different. While Kubrick's film is minimalist and quiet, Schaffner's is crowded, dirty, and loud. The pair capture the gamut of what science fiction could be and over the decades, they have become staples of the genre and key points of reference for film fans. Now a new documentary from William Conlin sets out to take us behind the scenes of one of the most important aspects of Planet of the Apes: the make-up.


Making Apes: The Artists Who Changed Film, includes interviews with the crew from Planet of the Apes, namely Thomas R. Burman, as well as archival footage of John Chambers (who won as Oscar for his work on the film), as well as current-day superstars of make-up and special effects like Rick Baker, Howard Berger, and Greg Cannom.


For good measure, Conlin also includes interviews with filmmakers who are recognized for using special effects namely Guillermo del Toro, Joe Dante, and Richer Donner.



I love a good documentary that dives deep into specific crafts of movie-making and Making Apes looks like it gives great insight not only into the specifics of the making of Planet of the Apes but also explores the importance of the film both within the cultural context of the time and how it changed movie-making in the long run.


Making Apes: The Artists Who Changed Film will be available on VOD January 28.



Recommended Release: Planet of the Apes

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