Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes

Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes is a captivating, cinematic adaptation of Edgar Rice Burrough's classic Tarzan series. Released in 1984 and directed by Hugh Hudson, this film spotlights a multi-faceted character study of one of fiction's most iconic figures. Starring Christopher Lambert in the lead role, the film weaves a narrative that is at once impactful, compelling, and challenging, shunning the traditional cartoon-like portrayal of Tarzan and instead offering a far more serious take on the legendary Lord of the Apes.

The tale starts with a tragic shipwreck which leaves an aristocratic couple, the Earl and Countess of Greystoke, stranded on the hostile shores of Africa. After the untimely death of his parents, the infant who would become Tarzan is discovered and adopted by a pack of gorillas, marking the humble beginnings of the would-be Lord of the Apes.

Time flashes forward, and we witness a young adult Tarzan, brilliantly played by Christopher Lambert, demonstrating an impressive agility and survival skill-set attuned to the jungle environment, embodying the primal force of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. He makes a seamless transition from climbing up giant trees to prowling the jungle floor, displaying a primal grace and fluidity born from his challenging upbringing amidst the wilderness and its creatures.

Co-stars Andie MacDowell and Ralph Richardson play significant roles in the narrative as well. MacDowell gives life to the character of Jane Porter, one of the few characters capable of understanding Tarzan's unique plight, while Richardson’s final role as the 6th Earl of Greystoke memorably enhances the deep social commentary of the film. Their interactions with Tarzan bring a poignant twist to the story, highlighting the stark contrast between Tarzan's dual worlds.

Upon being discovered by Captain Philippe D’Arnot (Ian Holm), Tarzan is brought back to 'civilized' England, wherein he is revealed to be the true heir of Greystoke Manor. Back in England, he suffers the trauma of culture shock, as he attempts to embrace his birth legacy while being unable to let go of his connections with the wild. It creates a riveting spectacle of a man torn between two vastly different worlds - the primordial African jungles and the stiff-upper-lip society of Victorian England.

A striking aspect of the film is its meticulous attention to detail. Evoking a sense of realism to the mythical tale of Tarzan, it makes exemplary use of costume design, sets, and crooning musical score. The film’s interpretation of the African landscape is vivid and immersive, bringing the wild beauty of the jungle to life.

The gorillas, which play such a pivotal role in the film, are remarkably characterized. Rick Baker’s masterful make-up and costume design helped create realistic apes and transformed the actors into authentic primates. The non-verbal communication system of the apes developed for the film is captivating and adds to the authenticity of the jungle world portrayed in the movie.

Christopher Lambert delivers a performance deeply infused with an essential "wildness". His Tarzan is a subtle blend of humanity and animal instinct, eliciting a sense of authenticity to is part-human, part-wild character. His chemistry with Andie MacDowell's Jane Porter is subtly expressed, their nuanced interactions revealing unspoken emotions and shared experiences.

Contrastingly, the high society of England is splendidly showcased, with opulent balls, stunning costumes, and a stark departure from the forest's raw vitality. The movie explores the stark class differences that existed during that era, creating an incisive social commentary.

Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes is an intense adaptation that respects its source material while injecting commentary on class and society. Although its narrative ventures amidst the extraordinary, the movie brims with a sense of authenticity, compassion, and humanity. It is a treat to both fans of the legendary character and movie-goers looking for an adventurous tale told through a thought-provoking lens.