Posted by DJ KoJack at rdcsd1.safeco.com on August 08, 2001 at 16:47:00:
In Reply to: Kevin's embarrassing Burton vendetta posted by jgoines on August 07, 2001 at 21:04:34:
I totally agree.
I, incidentally, am still a fan of Kevin Smith, but definately a tremendous fan of Tim Burton.
As far as comparing anything with a book for 'Planet of the Apes', which would have a been a novel adaption of the first film anyway, it's not possible. Like it was mentioned earlier, the original and recent film were both based based on the Pierre Boulle's 'MonkeyPlanet'. The script for the original film, was written by about 30 different selected authors until one was finally chosen. Same pretty much goes for the recent film, though props were given to Rod Serling (creator of The Twilight Zone, and 3 writer asked to make a screenplay for the film).
I am a big fan of the 'POA's of both era's and that pretty much stems from a large respect for Roddie McDowel. (May he rest in Peace) And have therefore, done a bit of research.
The first film was done the way it was- totally different from the book it spawned from( Which, by the way, Pierre Boulle was insulted that anyone wanted to do a film adaption of his 'worst piece of pulp science fiction crap' that he'd ever written'.-according to Boulle himself.)
In my opinion, if Rod Serling's screenplay, in any way, influenced this film's "surprise ending", it sure as hell reflects it. It's a typical Twilight Zone ending, and I don't know but I have a feeling that Kevin Smigh, likely, hadn't learned to draw quite that well by the year 1967.
And I'm sorry, how many jokes have people "shared"? How many twists are cliche'd by other authors over the years? I'm sorry but comparing a natural twist in a piece of fiction, to a one liner comic cell("that must have been inspired by something....hmmmm") is rediculous, especially for a lawsuit. 'nuff said. Peace.