Classic Movie Themes: Escape from the Planet of the Apes
The Planet of the Apes movie franchise took a radical change of course with its third entry in the series. The first two films were set in the future and benefited from high production values to help realise a post apocalyptic earth. However, due to a substantial reduction of budget, Escape from the Planet of the Apes uses a time travel plot device to bring the ape protagonists to present day Los Angeles (1971 in this case). The result is a film with a much smaller narrative scope. However, although it lacks the science fiction spectacle of its predecessors, it features an interesting satirical exploration of celebrity culture and ponders what it is like to be deemed an enemy of the state. As ever, Roddy McDowell and Kim Hunter provide exceptional lead performances as the Chimpanzees Cornelius and Zira. Escape from the Planet of the Apes also captures the pop culture vibe of seventies America.
The Planet of the Apes movie franchise took a radical change of course with its third entry in the series. The first two films were set in the future and benefited from high production values to help realise a post apocalyptic earth. However, due to a substantial reduction of budget, Escape from the Planet of the Apes uses a time travel plot device to bring the ape protagonists to present day Los Angeles (1971 in this case). The result is a film with a much smaller narrative scope. However, although it lacks the science fiction spectacle of its predecessors, it features an interesting satirical exploration of celebrity culture and ponders what it is like to be deemed an enemy of the state. As ever, Roddy McDowell and Kim Hunter provide exceptional lead performances as the Chimpanzees Cornelius and Zira. Escape from the Planet of the Apes also captures the pop culture vibe of seventies America.
The soundtrack for Escape from the Planet of the Apes, marked the return of composer Jerry Goldsmith, whose score for Planet of the Ape had been nominated for an Oscar. On this occasion Goldsmith shifts from the stark, avant-garde style of the first film, to a lighter, more upbeat seventies sound, reflecting the film’s comedic and romantic elements. However, Goldsmith still maintains his signature use of unconventional percussion, brass, and innovative orchestral techniques. The result is a unique, fun and charming score which despite being very much of the time, does a great deal to bolster the unfolding drama. The title theme stands out with its unusual time signature and rhythmic bassline, played by the legendary session musician Carol Kaye. Goldsmith also uses both sitar and steel drums adding to the quirky character of the piece.
Despite the lighter tone of Jerry Goldsmith’s soundtrack, Escape from the Planet of the Apes is a very bleak film with respect to its ending, which features infanticide. Musically, unlike the oppressive dread of the Planet of the Ape, the score for this film embraces the musical informality of the early seventies. The cue “Shopping Spree” captures the romantic interactions between Cornelius and Zira, incorporating charming piano melodies. While tracks such as “The Hunt” offer moments of suspense and are written in a more traditional idiom. However, the main title theme for the film remains the stand out track and is presented here for your enjoyment. It remains a prime example of the inherent versatility of composer Jerry Goldsmith who on this occasion goes for a more pop infused approach to his writing. The result is a charismatic soundtrack that captures the essence of the film and the mood of the time.
