What Happened at the End of Planet of the Apes (2001)?

Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes (2001) is a reimagining of the 1968 classic science fiction film. While it received mixed reviews upon release, its ending remains one of the most discussed and controversial elements. This article delves into the final scenes of the movie, examining their implications, possible interpretations, and their impact on both the film's narrative and the broader Planet of the Apes franchise.

Overview of the Film

Before diving into the ending, it's essential to provide a brief overview of the film. The 2001 version of Planet of the Apes follows astronaut Leo Davidson (played by Mark Wahlberg), who, in 2029, is stationed on the Oberon space station, conducting training missions with genetically enhanced apes. During a mission gone awry, Leo pursues a pod piloted by a chimpanzee named Pericles through an electromagnetic storm, only to crash-land on a mysterious planet.

On this planet, Leo discovers a society where apes rule and humans are enslaved. With the help of sympathetic chimpanzee Ari (played by Helena Bonham Carter) and other human and ape allies, Leo leads a rebellion against the oppressive ape regime led by the ruthless General Thade (played by Tim Roth).

The Climax

The film's climax takes place at the site of the crashed Oberon, which turns out to be the ruins of Leo's space station. This site becomes a battleground where humans and their ape allies face off against Thade’s forces. During the battle, Pericles, the chimpanzee astronaut Leo initially pursued, reappears, having survived his own journey through the storm. Thade interprets Pericles' arrival as a sign of divine intervention and attempts to use him to assert his authority.

In a final confrontation, Leo traps Thade inside the Oberon’s command center, leaving him imprisoned but alive. With the battle over, Leo decides to return to his own time using Pericles' pod, hoping to find a way back to his original life.

The Controversial Ending

As Leo travels back through the electromagnetic storm, he is transported back to Earth. Upon landing in Washington, D.C., he crashes near the Lincoln Memorial. However, instead of finding the iconic statue of Abraham Lincoln, Leo is shocked to discover a statue of General Thade. The scene reveals that the world is now ruled by apes, with ape police officers and ape citizens dominating the landscape. The film ends with a bewildered Leo surrounded by reporters and onlookers, all of whom are apes.

Interpretations of the Ending

The abrupt and unexpected twist has sparked numerous interpretations and debates among fans and critics. Here are some of the primary theories:

1. Alternate Timeline: One interpretation is that Leo’s journey through the storm created an alternate timeline where apes took over Earth. This theory posits that Thade somehow escaped his imprisonment on the Oberon, perhaps through advanced technology or help from others, and eventually led a successful ape uprising on Earth.

2. Time Paradox: Another theory suggests a time paradox where Thade, after being imprisoned, manages to influence events on Earth in the past. This would mean that Leo’s actions in the past inadvertently caused the future he aimed to escape.

3. Symbolic Ending: Some viewers interpret the ending as a symbolic or metaphorical commentary on the cyclical nature of oppression and the possibility that any species, given the right circumstances, could become dominant and oppressive.

Criticisms and Praise

The ending received mixed reactions from audiences and critics. Some praised it for its boldness and willingness to challenge viewers’ expectations. Others criticized it for being confusing and seemingly disconnected from the rest of the narrative.

• Praise: Those who appreciated the ending often cited its shock value and the way it subverted typical Hollywood conclusions. The twist was seen as a modern equivalent to the iconic ending of the 1968 film, where Charlton Heston’s character discovers the Statue of Liberty buried in the sand, revealing that he had been on Earth all along.

• Criticism: Critics argued that the ending felt tacked on and lacked proper setup or explanation. They felt that it left too many unanswered questions and did not provide a satisfying conclusion to the story that had been built up.

The Ending in Context

To better understand the ending, it’s helpful to consider the broader context of the Planet of the Apes franchise and Tim Burton’s approach to filmmaking.

Franchise Context

The Planet of the Apes series has a history of exploring complex themes of power, civilization, and the cyclical nature of history. The original 1968 film’s twist ending was groundbreaking, challenging viewers’ perceptions and leaving a lasting impact on popular culture. Burton’s film sought to pay homage to this tradition while introducing its unique spin.

Tim Burton’s Vision

Tim Burton is known for his distinctive visual style and penchant for dark, fantastical storytelling. His version of Planet of the Apes was intended as a reimagining rather than a direct remake, allowing him creative freedom to explore new ideas and themes. The ambiguous ending fits with Burton’s style, emphasizing mood and atmosphere over clear-cut resolutions.

Potential Sequel Setup

At the time of its release, the ending of Planet of the Apes (2001) was also seen as a potential setup for sequels. The twist created an open-ended scenario that could be explored in future films, providing a foundation for further storytelling. However, due to the film’s mixed reception and the complexities of its ending, no direct sequel was ever produced.

Unresolved Questions

Several key questions remain unresolved by the film’s conclusion:

• How Did Thade Conquer Earth?: The specifics of how Thade could have influenced Earth’s history remain unclear. Was it through time travel, advanced technology, or another means?
• Leo’s Fate: What happens to Leo after his shocking discovery? Does he attempt to change this new reality, or does he accept his fate?
• The Role of Pericles: The chimpanzee astronaut plays a crucial role in the story, but his ultimate fate and impact on the timeline are left ambiguous.

Legacy and Impact

Despite its controversial ending, Planet of the Apes (2001) has left a lasting impact on the franchise and science fiction cinema. The film’s ambitious visual effects, makeup, and production design were praised, contributing to its legacy as a notable entry in the series.

Influence on Reboots

The ending and overall approach of Burton’s film influenced the direction of subsequent Planet of the Apes reboots. The success and failures of the 2001 film provided valuable lessons for the production of Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) and its sequels, which opted for a more straightforward narrative and deeper character development.

Continued Debate

The film’s ending continues to be a topic of discussion and analysis among fans and scholars. Its ambiguity invites viewers to explore various interpretations and theories, keeping the conversation alive years after its release.

Conclusion: A Puzzling Twist

The ending of Planet of the Apes (2001) remains one of the most enigmatic and debated conclusions in modern science fiction cinema. By presenting an alternate reality where apes dominate Earth, the film challenges viewers to consider the fluidity of power and the unpredictable nature of history. While it left many questions unanswered and sparked significant debate, it also ensured that Burton’s reimagining would be remembered and discussed long after its initial release.

In the broader context of the Planet of the Apes franchise, the 2001 film’s ending serves as a reminder of the series' capacity to surprise, provoke, and inspire contemplation. Whether viewed as a bold creative choice or a misstep, it undeniably adds a layer of complexity to the Planet of the Apes mythos, inviting audiences to ponder the possibilities of alternate histories and the enduring struggle for dominance and survival.