Although director Tim Burton is known for fantasy films such as Sleepy Hollow and Edward Scissorhands, he has ventured into the science fiction genre several times throughout his career. The result is, among other things, the absurdly funny comedy Mars Attacks! – and one of the largest creative defeats his career.
We’re talking about Planet of the Apes from 2001. The sci-fi adventure is based on Pierre Boulle’s novel of the same name, which was adapted for the big screen 33 years earlier by Franklin J. Schaffner. While the first film adaptation is considered a masterpiece, Burton suffered a lot of malice for his attempt.
Failed science fiction remake: Tim Burton sends Mark Wahlberg to the Planet of the Apes
The focus of Burton’s Planet of the Apes is astronaut Captain Leo Davidson (Mark Wahlberg), who is on an important mission in 2029. A electromagnetic storm However, he messes everything up and causes Leo to end up in a kind of wormhole that sends him through time.
You can watch the trailer for Planet of the Apes here:
Planet of the Apes – Trailer (German)
The emergency landing on an alien planet in the future reveals an image to him that he never thought possible: Only monkeys exist around him, who behave like humans and enslave him. They are led by the evil General Thade (Tim Roth), who despises Leo and those like him from the bottom of his heart.
Burton’s interpretation of the material was largely negatively received when it was released in theaters. The ending is particularly controversial biggest deviation from the original represents. Looking back, it’s an incredible moment that gives you goosebumps. Before you read on, please be warned about spoilers.
The ending of Planet of the Apes: Tim Burton came up with his own nasty sci-fi twist on the classic
In the first Planet of the Apes film, astronaut George Taylor, played by Charlton Heston, is shocked to discover that he was not on an alien planet but on Earth the entire time. They are in front of him Remains of the Statue of Liberty – the last ruin of human civilization after a devastating nuclear war.
Burton gives the remake his own twist: Leo comes back to Earth and lands his spaceship in Washington, DC at the Lincoln Memorial. As it turns out, the iconic statue isn’t named after Abraham Lincoln, but rather modeled after General Thade. Shortly afterwards, he is surrounded by monkey police officers.
20th Century Studios
General Thade takes Lincoln’s place
Does the ending make more sense than the one in Schaffner’s version? Probably not. Still, you have to take your hat off to Burton for daring to create such an iconic film ending easy to turn upside down and to allow yourself to make your own final point. A gorgeous ricochet in the blockbuster cinema!
Sci-Fi remake: When is Planet of the Apes on TV?
Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes is on tonight, November 14, 2023. at 8:15 p.m. on Tele 5. The broadcast runs until 10:35 p.m. and is repeated at 2:05 a.m. Alternatively, you can watch the film on Disney+ with a streaming subscription.
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