What if the apes in Planet of the Apes were not just intelligent, but also philosophers? Imagine if Nietzsche, the father of existentialism, had incarnated as a chimpanzee, and his Will to Power had driven him to lead the ape revolution. The dialogue would be a masterclass in philosophical jousting, with Taylor, the human protagonist, struggling to comprehend the apes' existential crisis.
In this alternate universe, Nietzsche-Ape would be the leader of the ape community, and his philosophy would be the driving force behind their actions. He would argue that the apes' struggle for dominance is not just a biological imperative, but a manifestation of their Will to Power. Taylor, representing the human desire for dominance, would be seen as a threat to the apes' existence, and Nietzsche-Ape would use his philosophical prowess to justify the apes' violent response.
The famous "Ape Not Kill Ape" mantra would take on a new meaning, as Nietzsche-Ape would argue that the apes' survival depends on their ability to eliminate the human threat. He would use his mastery of existential philosophy to justify the apes' actions, claiming that they are simply acting in accordance with their natural instincts.
Meanwhile, Cornelius-Ape, the ape scientist, would be the embodiment of the Enlightenment values of reason and progress. He would be the voice of moderation, arguing that the apes should strive for coexistence with humans, rather than domination. His debates with Nietzsche-Ape would be a clash of philosophical titans, with the fate of the apes hanging in the balance.
In this alternate universe, the apes' society would be a complex web of philosophical and scientific inquiry, with the apes struggling to reconcile their natural instincts with their growing understanding of the world. The film would be a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, with the apes serving as a mirror to our own existential crises.
As the apes navigate their newfound intelligence and their struggle for dominance, they would be forced to confront the fundamental questions of existence: What does it mean to be alive? What is the purpose of life? And what is the nature of reality? The film would be a philosophical odyssey, with the apes serving as our guides on a journey of self-discovery.
In the end, the apes' revolution would be a testament to the power of philosophy to shape our understanding of the world and our place within it. The film would be a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, with the apes serving as a mirror to our own existential crises.
