Essay/Term paper: "planet of the apes"

Essay, term paper, research paper:  Movie Reviews

"Planet of the Apes"


James Burroughs is a critic. In his article, "The Fiction of Science
Fiction," he expresses his opinion that the movie, "Planet of the Apes," has no
value or real meaning for society today. He says it is like other similar
science fiction movies made in the 1960s because it is so out-of-date. He seems
to feel the only people that would enjoy "Planet of the Apes" are people who
have nothing better to do. I disagree with Mr. Burroughs.
In the movie, "Planet of the Apes," humans did not possess language, and as
a result were dominated by apes. The significance of language is the main
reason I do not agree with Mr. Burroughs. Imagine the world if humans did not
have language. Life would not be as we know it today. Consider how valuable
language would have been to the mutes in the movie. When they were being chased
and whipped like animals, would they not have been able to plot an escape to
avoid capture and imprisonment by the apes if they had been able to communicate?
Yes, they would have been free to live as equals. The apes and the humans would
have been co-inhabitants of the earth rather than creatues in a superior-
inferior relationship. "Planet of the Apes" is a perfect example of why
language is so important.
Another reason I am disputing Mr. Burrough's opinion of this movie is its
strong message concerning how humans were treated by apes. When we watched
"Planet of the Apes," we cannot fail to notice the mutes are treated. They were
beaten, battered and bruised; they were attacked and assaulted; worst of all,
they were degraded, disgraced and caged like animals. This is not how humans or
animals should be treated. Animals should be revered and respected, for we are
all God's creatures.
Finally, I disagree with Mr. Burroughs because this movie made us think
about how we may be destined for self-destruction. "Planet of the Apes" has a
valuable message concerning our fate. Remember when the flower was found by the
astronauts as the first sign of life on the "new" planet? Picture the "museum"
and the talking human doll found in the cave. The Statue of Liberty scene had a
huge impact on our thinking. All these circumstances caused us to realize that
if we do not start to care about how we treat our fellow man and our planet, the
destruction of our world will be inevitable.
In conclusion, "Planet of the Apes" was worth watching. The movie offered
several valuable lessons, including the significance of language, how we treat
animals, and how we may be destined for self-destruction. For all these reasons,
I disagree with Mr. Burroughs. I feel "Planet of the Apes" does have meaning
for people today.