GORILLAS IN THE MIST. Out of Love for Apes

Thanks to nearly two decades of gorilla research, Dian Fossey became one of the most renowned and respected primatologists. The American’s work contributed not only to a better understanding of mountain gorillas’ lives but also to significantly raising public awareness about the threats these animals face and increasing their protection. In 1983, Fossey wrote a book combining her scientific observations with her personal story. Just five years later, a film of the same title was made based on “Gorillas in the Mist”. Michael Apted’s work received acclaim, earning, among other honors, five Oscar nominations, and remains to this day one of the most important films about the personal bond between humans and animals.

We meet Fossey as she passionately, almost desperately, tries to convince the famous paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey to let her go to Congo and assist with counting the gorillas there. Soon, Dian is essentially left on her own in an unfamiliar country, where she must quickly adapt to the conditions. At the beginning of Apted’s film, the protagonist is a typical enthusiast whose idealized dreams bear little resemblance to the reality — dangerous, exhausting, dirty, and filled with hard, tedious work. However, over time, Fossey transforms from a city dweller into a highly committed and courageous activist who is unafraid to confront politicians or armed poachers. In fact, at one point, she even acquires her own personal security.

At times, the director seems to forget that he is telling the story of a real person. There are moments when Fossey’s motivations and psychology could be explored more deeply, or when answers to questions such as: Why does Dian do what she does? Does she ever think about anything other than gorillas? would benefit the audience. However, the excellent casting choice of Sigourney Weaver in the lead role makes up for these script shortcomings, as “Gorillas in the Mist” features one of the best performances of the actress’s career. It’s hard to imagine anyone else portraying such a determined and tough, yet sensitive researcher with similar credibility and ease. The story becomes most intriguing when Fossey turns into a kind of local legend, even a warrior. At this point, Weaver’s character seems to cross the thin line between determination and dangerous fanaticism.

The most important aspect of “Gorillas in the Mist”, however, is the portrayal of the passion and dedication that characterized Fossey. Apted devotes much time to depicting the researcher’s observations and her study of gorilla habits, which often appears almost magical on screen. Thanks to Maurice Jarre’s beautiful, sometimes idyllic compositions, the director creates a uniquely paradisiacal atmosphere. The scenes where Fossey and the gorillas coexist on equal terms in the jungle almost exude a sense of peace and awe for nature. Particularly moving and impressive are the moments when Dian establishes direct contact with the animals. These sequences are typically silent, and through the seamless blending of real ape footage with actors in costumes, the audience is left with the impression of truly encountering the wild and the simple beauty of untamed nature.

Unfortunately, as the plot progresses, these peaceful scenes are increasingly interrupted by poacher attacks. “Gorillas in the Mist” is equally a story about the beauty and wonder of nature and its potential coexistence with humans, as it is about the tyranny and greed of mankind. Dian Fossey’s story is yet another proof that the most dangerous beings on Earth are ourselves. Apted makes it clear that it’s not only the animals that fall victim to merciless and destructive actions, which are sometimes depicted on screen in literal, occasionally gruesome detail, without softening the blow. Those people who value more than just increasing their bank accounts or gaining power also suffer. In this world, there is less and less room not only for wild animals but also for genuinely good people. These individuals will be forced to flee or, like the gorillas, find themselves on the brink of extinction.

Today, more than thirty years after the premiere of “Gorillas in the Mist”, the population of the titular animals is significantly larger, partly thanks to Dian Fossey’s efforts. Michael Apted’s film, aside from its biographical focus, remains a story about the miracle that is nature, something that is not so far from us, yet we continue to destroy it relentlessly. And it’s not just the poachers who are to blame. After all, as one character points out, they are merely mercenaries. It’s the wealthy pulling the strings, not necessarily those from Africa.