I was feverishly trying to find information on the rumor of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory remake by Tim Burton and starring Marilyn Manson when I stumbled across many articles on the confirmed remake of, “Planet of the Apes (formerly entitled The Visitor)” which is due in theatres July 27, 2001. I can’t say that this remake has me all excited, except for the fact that I worship the genius of Tim Burton. As a child whenever I saw the cartoon or actor based “Planet of the Apes” on TV, I would scream and quickly turn the channel. Needless to say it didn’t interest me.

It has been three decades since the original novel was written and now director Tim Burton is bringing his distinctive vision and style to the original basis. As usual he is breaking new ground in story, design, makeup and visual effects. He is quoted as saying that he wasn't interested in doing a remake or sequel, but instead he was intrigued by the idea of revisiting the world of apes. Obviously Burton is a fan of the story line and it is reported that Tim’s enthusiasm gave him “mad energy” on the set with his hair and limbs constantly flying everywhere.           An interview with Helena Bonham Carter, had her quoted as saying that it was great to play an ape, because she felt that it was “liberating.” She said that you could get away with murder, since no one knows who you are, since you could be anyone under the make up and costume.

          It is reported that you can accurately tell the difference between the makeup and real flesh, even from inches away. In fact, Michael Clarke Duncan, an actor in the movie, shocked nurses at a Los Angeles hospital by arriving at the hospital casualty dressed as a giant gorilla. He had sprained his ankle during the filming and did not have time to get out of his costume before being taken to the hospital. The 25 staff and patients stared in disbelief at the 6 foot 5 actor, until he revealed his true identity and every one then erupted with laughter.

          In fact, the suits are over twenty separate pieces and the following is a description of the majority of these pieces.  The full body has a unitard covering it, and then an upper torso muscle suit is placed over the top that gives the actor arms and muscles. Next is a heavy pair of pants that is pulled on and finished with suspenders. Then comes the upper torso jacket, which adds to the heaviness of the costume. Then, the belt is put on the quad armor for the upper thighs. Now the shin armor and then the boots are put on. The boots are black aqua socks, which are customized with extended ape toes on the end. Then the larger black boot with fur up the tongue is put on. When this is done, there will be the grand effect of the toes sticking out through thick fur in a boot. The chest hairpiece is placed over the head and tucked down in the front of the chest. Next comes the chest and shoulder armor. The last steps is the actor goes to the mask tent and puts on the mask, which are either full head masks or ones with Velcro straps. The actor then goes to the makeup trailer for alcohol based tattoo coloring around the eyes, nose and mouth. Finally the actor puts on the three-piece gloves, pulls on the mask, and finishes with the heavy-armored helmet. Now the acting begins!

In the movie, Mark Wahlberg plays air force Capt. Leo Davidson, a pilot who is AWOL from an Earth-launched space station. He finds himself on a chaotic planet where apes, not humans, are at the top of the evolutionary ladder. Tim Roth's chimpanzee General Thade is the leader of the ape society.

         Paul Giamatti, who was Martin Lawrence's sidekick in Big Momma's House, plays the orangutan Limbo, providing most of the film's comic relief. Canadian supermodel Estella Warren plays Wahlberg's love interest.Be prepared to see chimpanzee soldiers galloping at 45 miles an hour in battle and leaping 50 feet in distance onto the back off horses to annihilate the human riders.

          The Red Ape Army is equipped with fierce looking swords, spiked clubs, spears with prickles on them and big war flags held up high with a spiked claw on the end. Also, there is a long mult-layered section gauntlet that extends beyond the arm that is swung into the enemy to devastate! Expect to see many outrageous stunts and extreme wire and rig work as well. The budget is at least 150 million, which is more than enough money for Tim to direct with magic! This film is a reported to be a new level for Tim's genius and the film is said to be terrifying and intense! There is also going to be a surprise ending. Okay…maybe I won’t turn the channel but instead I will run to the theaters!

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- Armin Moulton