Tarzan, the Ape Man

Tarzan, the Ape Man is a romantic adventure film released in 1981. Helmed by John Derek, Bo Derek’s real-life husband, this film is primarily a celebration of primal passion, beauty, adventure, and the untamed wilderness. This time around, the traditional grim and anthropological modulation of the Tarzan tale are replaced by a more romance-infused adventurous storyline. Set against the backdrop of the early 20th century, the Derek's rendition of Edgar Rice Burroughs's classic story lining is one to behold.

Bo Derek, who gained fame in the blockbuster film 10, spurred interest in the Tarzan mythos in a profusely intoxicating portrayal as Jane Parker. Her Jane is exotic, fierce, and bewitchingly captivating, unlike the Victoriana usual to the character. In this retelling, Jane eventually comes into her own, independent and empowered, and it becomes her story just as much as that of the King of the Jungle.

The story commences with the ardent and eager Jane voyaging out to West Africa to reconnect with her strangely estranged father, James Parker (Richard Harris). From the moment she sets afoot in the wild, the tone and tenor of the movie are set. We watch the coming-back-together of a daughter and her long-estranged father. But, that is not what this movie is all about.

Harris's portrayal of the elder Parker reflects a man obsessed with his pursuits, particularly his relentless quest for the legendary elephant graveyard and the presumed riches it holds. Despite his seemingly wild and dreamy pursuits, the character adds a layer of sophistication and complexity to the movie. His journey sets up the stage for Joe Lara to step into the scene as the young and charismatic Tarzan.

While the film can be seen as an adventure punctuated by the search for treasure, it is fundamentally a love story. The arrival of Miles O'Keeffe as the mythical Tarzan is nothing short of spectacular. His approach to the iconic character is more animal than human, a silent, transfixing presence who moves and communicates with an intense physicality that sets him worlds apart from Jane.

Yet, it is this enigmatic, primal Tarzan that the adventurous Jane becomes enamored with. Unlike the traditional Tarzan who learns to speak English, the Tarzan in this movie communicates through grunts and gestures, emphasizing his wholly animalistic existence, thus marking a significant departure from previous film adaptions.

However, the romance between Tarzan and Jane is not the clichéd story one expects. It’s unusual, intoxicating and replete with risqué innuendo, which add intrigue to this film adaptation. The progression of their relationship is both tender and raw, natural in its wildness.

The movie takes the viewer for a wild ride into the mysterious, scary, and exciting jungle, prompting a sense of awe and interest in its depth. With a hefty dose of horror, the movie is filled with great cinematography, allowing the audience to feel the trepidation and thrill of the jungle adventure. Both Bo Derek and Miles O’Keeffe bring life to their characters, representing the dichotomy of humanity’s civilized, domestic existence colliding beautifully with the savage, wild world.

The film's creators took great care in developing the movie’s peripheral elements. The stunning costume design, unique set design, and beautiful original soundtrack contribute to the movie's overall ambiance and ethos. The film's soundtrack was notable in and of itself, featuring a beautiful mix of African tribal music and contemporary rhythms, which enhanced the film's overall themes - the collision of two worlds.

Moreover, the exploration of various cultures and practices is not glossed over. The movie dedicates timely portions to the display of African rituals, their societal norms, and folklore, intertwining them excitingly and meaningfully with the main story.

This subtly unique take on a classic tale still resonates in contemporary cinematic politics. Although many critics saw the film as a lightweight product banking on Bo’s sex-symbol image, the underlying themes of Tarzan, the Ape Man go far beyond that. Shedding the shackles of Victorian prudishness, the film sets Jane free into Tarzan’s world, glorifying the primal existence and freedom. Tarzan, the Ape Man, enchants with an unconventional mix of romance, adventure, and breathtaking beauty of the African wilderness.