Cast
View AllMatt Winston
as Narrator
Rick Baker
as Self
Greg Nicotero
as Self
Tom Woodruff Jr.
as Self
Lou Wagner
as Self
Howard Berger
as Self
Bill Corso
as Self
Alec Gillis
as Self
Vincent Van Dyke
as Self
Thomas R. Burman
as Self
Leonard Maltin
as Self
Ve Neill
as Self
Joe Dante
as Self
Guillermo del Toro
as Self
Richard Donner
as Self
Crew
Director
- William Conlin
Writer
- Thomas R. Burman
Producer
- Harlene Conlin
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Making Apes: The Artists Who Changed Film represents a fascinating example of Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director William Conlin brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Making Apes: The Artists Who Changed Film took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 86 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 124 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 53 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Making Apes: The Artists Who Changed Film shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Das Boot Revisited: An Underwater Success Story, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Making Apes: The Artists Who Changed Film offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks and Boundless explore similar territory, Making Apes: The Artists Who Changed Film stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 30, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 26m
Where to Watch

