The Making of Planet of the Apes

The Making of Planet of the Apes chronicles the behind-the-scenes development and production of the landmark 1968 science fiction film. Author J.W. Rinzler draws from studio archives, production documents, and interviews to document the journey from concept to screen. The book examines the technical achievements that brought the ape society to life, particularly the revolutionary makeup effects created by John Chambers. Rinzler provides details about the casting decisions, location scouting, costume design, and the numerous challenges faced by the crew during filming. Producer Arthur P. Jacobs' determined efforts to get the film made, despite initial skepticism from studios, forms a central narrative thread. The text includes rare photographs, concept art, and production materials that showcase the film's development process. This account of Planet of the Apes' creation reveals how filmmakers used science fiction to explore complex social themes and human nature, establishing a template for modern genre films with deeper meanings. The book stands as a record of a pivotal moment in both practical effects and message-driven science fiction cinema.

Readers describe this as a comprehensive behind-the-scenes account with extensive production details, rare photos, and insights into the makeup/effects work. Many highlight the book's coverage of the business dealings and script development process. Liked: - Over 200 never-before-seen set photos and concept art - Details about John Chambers' groundbreaking makeup techniques - Coverage of casting decisions and budget negotiations - Paper quality and image reproduction Disliked: - Some found the technical filmmaking details too dense - Several noted repetitive information in certain chapters - Price point ($60 MSRP) mentioned as high - A few readers wanted more about the sequels Ratings: Goodreads: 4.5/5 (52 ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (156 reviews) "The definitive account of how this film was made" - Amazon reviewer "Almost overwhelmingly detailed at times but fascinating for serious fans" - Goodreads user "Worth it for the photos alone" - Multiple reviewers

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🎬 Author J.W. Rinzler gained unprecedented access to 20th Century Fox archives, including never-before-seen production documents and photos, to create this comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the 1968 film. 🎭 The book reveals that actor Edward G. Robinson was originally cast as Dr. Zaius but had to drop out due to health issues related to wearing the elaborate ape makeup for long hours. 📝 Rinzler extensively interviewed key surviving cast and crew members, including makeup artist John Chambers, who won an honorary Academy Award for his groundbreaking work on the film. 🎨 The 256-page book contains over 300 images, including rare concept paintings, storyboards, and candid on-set photographs from the personal collections of the filmmakers. 🏆 Before his death in 2021, Rinzler was considered one of the foremost chroniclers of cinema history, having written definitive making-of books about Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and The Shining.