Insights from a Renowned Primate Expert: Jane Goodall on 'War for the Planet of the Apes'

Renowned primate expert Jane Goodall recently expressed her admiration for the film War for the Planet of the Apes through an interview with Variety's Writers on Writers series. Despite her program "Jane" being a frontrunner for an Oscar nomination, Goodall believes that the sci-fi blockbuster deserves a much wider recognition, extending beyond its technical achievements.

Pioneering the Link Between Film and Ethical Representation

In discussing her reaction to the film, Goodall highlights the deep ethical message woven into War for the Planet of the Apes. This iconic trilogy ending is praised not just for its technical brilliance, but for its profound reflection on human arrogance and the treatment of animals. Such themes resonated strongly with Goodall, aligning with her lifelong dedication to animal welfare and conservation.

Andy Serkis’ Exceptional Motion Capture Performance

Goodall's particular admiration is directed towards Andy Serkis, whose motion capture performance as Caesar stands out. She emphasizes that Serkis' character presents a nuanced portrayal that captures the struggles and triumphs of leading a just and compassionate life. His performance showcases the complexity of leadership, depicting moments of anger, despair, and finally, courage and self-sacrifice.

Reflecting on Leadership and Humanity

According to Goodall, Caesar's imperfections serve to embody the very virtues of a great leader. His struggle to overcome his flaws exemplifies the journey towards achieving one’s true potential. She sees Caesar as a leader who is 'humble, wise, and compassionate,' guiding his friends and making sacrifices to ensure the betterment of his community. Goodall goes as far as to say that Caesar epitomizes ‘everything one could want in a leader,’ a sentiment that Goodall wishes was emulated by human leaders worldwide.

Reflection and Call for Action

The film's ethical stance aligns seamlessly with Goodall's own mission to promote understanding and compassion for animals. Her hope is that audiences, upon witnessing Caesar's journey, might be prompted to reconsider their own behavior and aspire to lead with the same virtues.

Goodall's insightful reflections touch on significant themes that are pertinent in our current discussions about human ethics and empathy. By shedding light on War for the Planet of the Apes, she not only endorses a cutting-edge piece of cinema but also advocates for a deeper reflection on our responsibilities towards nature and each other.

Further Reading

To read Goodall’s full post on War for the Planet of the Apes, visit Variety.