Planet of the Apes Series in the Context of Apocalyptic and Epidemic Movies

Abstract

Throughout human history, millions of people have lost their lives due to natural disasters and epidemics, and great civilizations and empires have collapsed after disasters and epidemics. Since epidemics affect the whole world, apocalypse and epidemic themes are popular in cinema. The fears and desires underlined in the apocalyptic and epidemic-themed movies are responded with movies that offer remedies for salvation from the apocalypse, such as the Planet of the Apes films. What is implied with apes, which are the subject of apocalyptic and epidemic-themed movies? What cultural codes do apes represent in apocalyptic and epidemic-themed movies? What do the changes in different versions of this myth mean in apocalyptic and epidemic-themed movies? The aim of the study is to answer these questions. Based on this idea, the Planet of the Apes series will be analyzed with the method of narrative analysis and the obtained data will be interpreted in the conclusion section.