Pierre Boulle’s Planet of the Apes (1963): From Novel to Screenplay

Abstract

This chapter analyzes in detail Planet of the Apes (1963) by Pierre Boulle; the novel tells the story of a reverse world where apes, not humans, rule the world. In the year 2500, a spaceship leaves the Earth with three passengers—journalist Ulysse Merou, Professor Antelle, and physician Arthur Levain—to explore the star Betelgeuse. They landed on the Earth-like planet “Soror”. On this planet, human beings are unable to speak and are reduced to living as primitive savages. Separated from his companions, Ulysse Merou had to convince the apes that he is not a talented animal, but an intelligent being who deserves equality among them. Otherwise, he will be subject to medical experimentation. This chapter aims to discuss time travel and science fiction in Planet of the Apes. The authors will introduce French writer Pierre Boulle, present the story, the main characters, the historical background and discuss the futuristic society led by the apes. They will address the interesting social equality among the three races of apes—the gorillas (the brawn), the chimpanzees (the intellects), and the orangutans (the purveyors of “official science”)—evoking racism among humans. Furthermore, the authors will explore science fiction beyond the utopian/dystopian mode. The discussion will focus on the reverse world in which humans, not animals, are experimented on, for the benefit of science. It will also highlight the originality of the story as it portrays a future world in which apes are the dominant species. Since the publication of the novel, numerous cinematographic adaptations have been released in the US. We will highlight what changes were made regarding the characters, the plot, and compare the original story to the various updates from the 1968 masterpiece staring Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowall to the reboot film series since 2011. The chapter will conclude that Planet of the Apes raises a variety of timely questions regarding human superiority, the split between species and even humans themselves, and the disparity between an animalistic existence and a conscious, intelligent one.