Film and history : 'Planet of the Apes' as history (original) (raw)

2013

Abstract

This thesis contends that all types of film hold historical value and should be appreciated as relevant and valuable sources for contemporary historians. It is argued that feature films, and in particular fictional feature films, are overlooked as sources of information for scholars analysing contemporary history. Planet of the Apes (dir. Franklin J. Schaffner, 1968) is used as a case study to indicate the breadth of information available within the complex audio-visual text. This study contributes to the study of the under-researched film Planet of the Apes that holds an important place within the history of the American science fiction genre. The film is worthy of study because it can be understood as a countercultural document. It reflects upon, engages with and at times critiques the complexities of the political and social culture of the United States in the 1960s. Close analysis of the film provides insight into the attitudes of the filmmakers and their intended audience revea...

Amy Chambers hasn't uploaded this paper.

Let Amy know you want this paper to be uploaded.

Ask for this paper to be uploaded.