Making Apes: The Artists Who Changed Film

Making Apes: The Artists Who Changed Film is a captivating documentary film from 2019 directed by William Conlin and starring a host of legendary special effects artists involved in the creation of the Planet of the Apes series. The film's primary focus is on the life and career of Thomas R. Burman, an Academy Award-nominated make-up artist, and his invaluable contributions to the industry.

This ninety-minute-long documentary embarks on a journey back in time, tracing the evolution of the film industry's approach to special effects make-up. Special effects have always been an integral part of the Hollywood film industry and Making Apes does a fantastic job of narrating a sweeping history of the evolution of special effects through the innovative work of artists such as Burman and company.

With an insightful narrative, Making Apes takes the audience behind the scenes into the world of prosthetic makeup and special effects. Through interviews with makeup legends such as Gino Acevedo and Rick Baker, among others, the documentary sheds light on the alchemy of transforming actors into believable non-human characters. It illustrates the meticulous effort and imaginative genius that goes into creating credible ape characters that populate the Planet of the Apes universe, and how this groundbreaking work has influenced the film industry as a whole.

A considerable part of the documentary is devoted to Thomas R. Burman’s inspirational journey and his crucial contributions to the field of special effects. From his early days of playing with clay in his mother's kitchen to joining the makeup department at 20th Century Fox, the documentary portrays how his creativity, resilience, and unflinching determination led him to become one of the industry's cornerstones of prosthetic makeup and special effects.

Making Apes also offers an enlightening exploration of the behind-the-scenes workings of the original Planet of the Apes movie and subsequent prequels and sequels. The film allows the audience to appreciate the innovative techniques used and the tireless dedication of artists like Burman who, against considerable odds, managed to redefine the conventions of cinema.

Not only does Making Apes dwell on the technical aspects of special effects, but it also casts a light on the societal impact of the Planet of the Apes series. Through fascinating narration, it delves into the allegoric nuances of the series and illustrates how its profound portrayal of civil rights, animal rights, and war made a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

The documentary also depicts the changing tides that the cinema industry has undergone over the decades, with the burgeoning prominence of CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) turning tables around for traditional makeup artists. It goes on to raise pertinent questions about the future of makeup artists in an industry leaning toward digital manipulation, thereby starting an important discourse about the significance of traditional crafts amidst rapid technological evolution.

Making Apes also does a commendable job of putting a spotlight on numerous unsung heroes of the film industry, such as the makeup artists, visual effects teams, and special effects artists who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring characters and stories to life. Through candid conversations with industry experts and archival footage, the film pays homage to these remarkable artists and the awakening art forms they propagated.

As the movie unfolds, the audience is guided on an incredible journey that encompasses passion, innovation, technical ingenuity, and a profound impact on cinema. Making Apes: The Artists Who Changed Film is a must-see for anyone interested in filmmaking history, visual effects, makeup and prosthetics, and the magic that cinema can conjure.

Through captivating storytelling, William Conlin's Making Apes illuminates the unspoken heroes of Hollywood's golden era - the special effects makeup artists - whose unprecedented creativity set the course for the film industry's future. The film offers a unique perspective on the art of filmmaking and serves as a heartfelt tribute to these pioneers who have significantly impacted the industry by pushing the boundaries of cinematic visual storytelling.