Detailed Summary
The Genesis of ALZ-112
The film begins with scientist Will Rodman (James Franco) working on a potential cure for Alzheimer’s disease called ALZ-112. His research is tested on apes, resulting in heightened intelligence for a chimpanzee named Bright Eyes. However, Bright Eyes goes on a rampage, leading to the project being shut down. Will discovers that Bright Eyes was protecting her newborn, who inherits her enhanced intelligence.
The Adoption of Caesar
Will takes in the young chimp, named Caesar, and raises him at home. As Caesar grows, so does his intelligence, surpassing that of a human child. Caesar’s rapid cognitive development leads him to question his place in the world, especially as he observes the limitations and cruelty of human society.
Caesar’s First Taste of Rebellion
After attacking a neighbor to protect Will’s father (John Lithgow), who suffers from Alzheimer’s, Caesar is taken to a primate sanctuary. There, he experiences mistreatment at the hands of humans and begins to see the dark side of his existence. Caesar’s intelligence allows him to outsmart the humans and assert dominance among the other apes.
The Escape and the Rise
Caesar escapes the sanctuary and returns to Will’s home, where he steals canisters of ALZ-113, a more potent version of the drug, and exposes the other apes to it, enhancing their intelligence as well. With a growing army of intelligent apes, Caesar leads a revolt against their human captors.
The Battle on the Golden Gate Bridge
In one of the film’s most iconic sequences, the apes make their way to the Golden Gate Bridge, where they clash with the police in an epic battle. Caesar’s strategic mind is on full display as he leads his troops to victory, ultimately allowing them to escape into the Muir Woods, a sanctuary where they can live free from human oppression.
The New Beginning
The film concludes with Caesar and his fellow apes finding refuge in the forest. Meanwhile, the virus created from ALZ-113 begins spreading worldwide, hinting at the future downfall of humanity.
Movie Ending
The ending sees Caesar leading his fellow apes into the wilderness, declaring his independence from humans. Meanwhile, the credits reveal that the ALZ-113 virus, which made the apes more intelligent, is spreading rapidly among humans, foreshadowing the catastrophic events that will unfold in the sequels.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
Yes, the scene after the credits reveals an infected pilot boarding a plane, signaling the virus’s spread across the globe, which sets the stage for the worldwide pandemic central to the following films.
Type of Movie
This film is a science fiction action drama, with strong themes of ethics in scientific experimentation, animal rights, and the consequences of playing god.
Cast
- James Franco as Will Rodman
- Andy Serkis as Caesar (motion capture and voice)
- Freida Pinto as Caroline Aranha
- John Lithgow as Charles Rodman
- Tom Felton as Dodge Landon
- David Oyelowo as Steven Jacobs
- Brian Cox as John Landon
Film Music and Composer
Patrick Doyle, renowned for skillfully blending orchestral music with emotional and tense moments, composed the score. His music enhances the drama and intensity of the film’s action scenes.
Filming Locations
- San Francisco, California: The majority of the film is set and shot in and around San Francisco, including the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, where the climactic battle takes place.
- Vancouver, British Columbia: Some of the indoor scenes and CGI work were completed here, contributing to the film’s overall look and feel.
These locations were crucial for creating a realistic backdrop for the story, grounding the science fiction elements in a familiar real-world setting.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Visual Effects.
- BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Special Visual Effects.
- Saturn Awards: Won Best Science Fiction Film, Best Supporting Actor (Andy Serkis), and Best Special Effects.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Andy Serkis redefined motion capture technology with his portrayal of Caesar, earning widespread acclaim for his groundbreaking performance.
- The film’s director, Rupert Wyatt, emphasized realism, even within the CGI-heavy scenes, pushing for authentic emotional performances from the actors.
- The filmmakers kept the scene where Caesar first speaks (“No!”) a secret from most of the crew, heightening the shock value during filming.
Inspirations and References
- Source Material: Inspired by Pierre Boulle’s 1963 novel “La Planète des Singes” and the original “Planet of the Apes” film series.
- Scientific Experiments: The film draws on real-world ethical debates surrounding genetic engineering and animal testing.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The theatrical ending was designed to pave the way for the next films in the series, while some deleted scenes explore Caesar’s interactions with other apes and the initial impact of the ALZ-113 virus on humans.
Book Adaptations and Differences
- The film loosely draws from the original “Planet of the Apes” novel but diverges significantly in setting and storyline, focusing on the origins of the intelligent apes rather than the distant future.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Caesar’s First Word: The shocking moment when Caesar says “No!” to Dodge, marking his rise as a leader.
- Golden Gate Bridge Battle: The climactic battle where the apes, led by Caesar, overpower the human forces.
- Caesar’s Escape: The tense moment when Caesar escapes the sanctuary, showcasing his cunning intelligence.
Iconic Quotes
- “No!” – Caesar
- “Caesar is home.” – Caesar
- “They’re not people, you know.” – Dodge Landon
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The name “Bright Eyes,” given to Caesar’s mother, is a reference to the nickname given to Charlton Heston’s character in the original “Planet of the Apes.”
- Caesar’s interaction with a model of the Statue of Liberty foreshadows the iconic ending of the original “Planet of the Apes” film.
Trivia
- The visual effects company Weta Digital, known for “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, handled the CGI for the apes.
- Andy Serkis’s performance as Caesar is widely regarded as one of the finest in motion capture history, sparking discussions about creating a distinct Oscar category for these roles.
- The film aimed to reboot the “Planet of the Apes” series, setting the stage for sequels that delve deeper into humanity’s decline.
Why Watch?
“Rise of the Planet of the Apes” is a gripping origin story that combines cutting-edge visual effects with a compelling narrative about intelligence, freedom, and the consequences of scientific hubris. It sets the stage for a new era in the “Planet of the Apes” franchise with emotional depth and thrilling action.
Director’s Other Movies
- The Escapist (2008)
- The Gambler (2014)
- Captive State (2019)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
- War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
- 12 Monkeys (1995)
- The Matrix (1999)
- Children of Men (2006)
