More Than Just Swinging from Vines: The Curious Cinematic History of Chimpanzees
Okay, so chimpanzees. You might think, "What's there to say about chimps in film?" But trust me, they’ve popped up in some surprisingly fascinating and revealing ways throughout cinematic history. It's not just about Tarzan (though we'll definitely get to him!), it’s about what these primates represent – our connection to the animal kingdom, anxieties about intelligence, and even reflections of societal fears.
The earliest appearances are, naturally, tied to the classic adventure serials. Tarzan and His Mate and Tarzan Escapes, for example, aren't just thrilling jungle adventures; they’re steeped in colonial attitudes and a very specific (and problematic) view of “civilization” versus "savagery." Tarzan, raised by apes, becomes a symbol of the untamed wild, something to be both admired and controlled. It’s a fascinating lens through which to examine early 20th-century anxieties about progress and the unknown. I remember seeing Tarzan Escapes as a kid – I was completely captivated by the sheer spectacle, but looking back now, you can't ignore the underlying power dynamics at play.
But chimps in film aren’t always relegated to jungle tropes. Consider He Went That Way. The presence of Spanky, the chimpanzee, isn’t just a quirky detail; he becomes another character entirely, a silent observer to the unfolding drama between Jim Goodwin and Bobby Falls. It's almost as if Spanky embodies innocence or perhaps a primal understanding that transcends human deception – a really clever way to highlight the darkness simmering beneath the surface of the road trip.
Then there’s Bye Bye Monkey, which takes things in a completely different direction, using a chimpanzee as part of a whimsical, metahistorical New York City landscape. It's a reminder that even seemingly frivolous uses of animals on screen can add layers of warmth and humor to complex narratives.
And finally, there’s A Cold Night’s Death. This one is particularly intriguing because it plays with the idea of primates as keys to understanding something…otherworldly. The film subtly suggests that our research into chimpanzees might unlock secrets far beyond what we initially intended – a chilling commentary on scientific hubris and the potential consequences of unchecked curiosity. It's a clever twist on the classic "man versus nature" narrative, suggesting that maybe we are the ones out of our depth.
So, next time you’re looking for something a little different to watch, consider exploring these films through the lens of their chimpanzee characters. You might be surprised by what you discover – about the movies themselves, and about ourselves.
