The Ingenious Design and Social Commentary of the 1968 Planet of the Apes

The original 1968 film Planet of the Apes is often celebrated for its groundbreaking special effects and compelling story. What is less commonly discussed are the innovative set designs of Apes City, and the unparalleled musical score that adds to its immersive experience. Moreover, the film serves as a profound social commentary that reflects the harsh realities of 1960s America.

Set Designs and Apes City

The set designs of Apes City in the film are remarkable not only for their technical prowess but also for their visual storytelling. Filmed primarily in Morocco, the sets were meticulously crafted to blend natural landscapes with futuristic sci-fi elements. The city itself is a dystopian vision where architecture and infrastructure are reimagined to fit the film's post-apocalyptic narrative. The main shopping district, with its towering pillars and bustling atmosphere, is a direct nod to the consumerism of 1960s America, albeit on a dystopian scale. The city's design also cleverly mirrors the social hierarchy of the time, with the fairer-skinned apes occupying higher positions and the darker-skinned humans relegated to manual labor.

Social Commentary and the Kerner Report

Simultaneously, the film delved into critical social commentary. Just as the film was being released in the United States, the Report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, also known as the Kerner Report, was being disseminated. This report, according to Jesse Jackson, was the last genuine attempt to address the structural inequalities plaguing African Americans. The previous summer, tens of thousands of African Americans had taken to the streets in cities across the USA to protest the persistent racial inequality of the era. This social unrest underscored the need for a wider conversation on race and justice.

It's crucial to note that discussions of such sensitive topics as race and social inequality would have been highly risky in an era where such conversations could lead to backlash or even jeopardize business prospects. Therefore, films like Guess Whos Coming to Dinner (1967) gently addressed these issues through a more indirect and safe medium. In this film, Sidney Poitier and Spencer Tracy portrayed the idea of racial integration through a thoughtful comedy, depicting Poitier as a distinguished doctor working for the United Nations. While this was a positive representation, it was far from the reality experienced by millions of disenfranchised black citizens who faced systemic discrimination.

Marketing and Accessibility

Planet of the Apes cleverly aired its commentary on the society of the day by presenting these critical themes in a seemingly fantastical context. By positioning a hierarchy based on skin color with lighter-skinned apes holding positions of power and darker-skinned humans working menial jobs, the film exposed the inherent unfairness in American society. This approach allowed viewers to critically examine their own systems without the immediate risk of backlash. As a form of sf or science fiction, the film provided a mirror for the audience to reflect on their world, drawing parallels between the dystopian futures depicted and the present realities of the 1960s.

Thus, the 1968 Planet of the Apes stands as a testament to the power of film as both entertainment and social commentary. It has the ability to challenge societal norms and inspire critical thinking while maintaining a level of universal appeal. This careful blend of imaginative storytelling and social critique makes the film an enduring classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.