With Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, one of modern cinema’s most dazzling franchises returns — but as its director has pointed out, it’s never been properly rewarded.
1968’s originalPlanet of the Apeswas a groundbreaking achievement in special effects; never before had makeup tricked audiences so convincingly into believing a man had ventured into a world of walking, talking primates.
That’s just the thing: the franchise has never won an Oscar for its effects. The first entry was nominated for Best Costume Design, while the past decade’s trilogy was recognized at the Academy Awards — but it’s never taken home the prize.
Speaking to AP,Kingdom of the Planet of the Apesdirector Wes Ballsaid: “I think people do not understand the level of craft and artistry that is involved in making these movies. That’s the VFX, but that’s also all the production work we do, all the things we build. I think people are gonna love it.
“I think it’s criminal that these Apes movies have never won a visual effects award, an Oscar. I think it’s crazy. I’ll do my part to try to change that.”
Nevertheless, reacting to that realization, one fantweeted: “This is indeed criminal. The recent #PlanetOfTheApes movies created believable CGI ape characters and the special effects teams deserved far more critical recognition for their achievements.”
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“Genuinely is. The visual effects in that trilogy let alone in the upcoming #KingdomofThePlanetoftheApes look impeccable. The motion and facial capture is out of this world. The amount of life and detail in the face and eyes of Caesar as well as many others is stunning. Bravo,” anotherwrote.
“I’d go one step further and say it’s criminal that Andy Serkis wasn’t ever nominated for Best Actor,” a thirdposted.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apeshits cinemas on May 9. You can also check out othernew moviescoming to cinemas this month.
Cameron Frew is Deputy TV & Movies Editor on Dexerto’s UK team. He’s an action movie aficionado, ’80s obsessive, and Oscars enthusiast. He loves Invincible, but he’s also a fan of The Boys, the MCU, The Chosen, and much more. He has previously written for LadBible, UniLad, and Flickering Myth. You can contact him at: cameron.frew@dexerto.com.
