Linda Harrison had the same challenge for the two "Planet" films, except this time it's the art of speaking without speaking - and she proved it could be done with wonderful presence of 'soul'. Indeed, Nova is the SOUL of the original "Planet of the Apes" film and its sequel, "Beneath..." - without question. Nova is the presence of the lost remnant of humanity's 'soul' in those films. Her eyes communicate the weight of that lostness but also and more profoundly the hope and untouched innocence of the human soul - indeed she teaches us what it means to be truly human again. The scene in the first film when she smiles at Taylor through the cage (for bars cannot bar the human spirit - this scene I mentioned about Nova's smile and Taylor is important because Taylor is a man who has lost part of his soul -- Nova is the Gift of his soul back to him) is ultimately indestructable, for it (that is, the smile) reveals the original blessing that God or the Universe (whatever name you give to the Divine) has placed in the human heart. It is forever - along with the Whole Universe. It is the True Spirit of Love Itself. And we see this in all the scenes where Nova is present - Nova - where the 'light'/star shines in the darkness and lights up the universe, because that's what stars do.

Again, this is why I ultimately refer back to the first original Planet film - it is completely open-ended - full of possiblities - to affirm that there now can be a 'resurrection' after the loss/crucifixion of humanity - an awakening - a Nova/light/star born if you will.

Nova looks at the Statue of Liberty and Taylor at the end of the first film - she doesn't understand what has happened. Nova only understands her own heart, right here and now. Taylor can't help but be caught up in the past - for what humanity/man (and by implication, himself included) has done - and he 'damns' it - he doesn't forgive it i.e., man/himself. But Nova does not curse man or Taylor - she doesn't say anything - and you get the impression, that even if she could speak, still nothing would be said. Nova here is and represents the 'childlike' spirit with its tremendous, if not miraculous, resilience to bounce back, to be born again, to start again here and now. I dare say Nova here at the end of the movie stands for the awesume possibility of forgiveness. Throughout the film we see Nova mistreated/suffering at the hands of the Apes - but we never see a look of anger or revenge from her - not a word of judgement. Though Nova does show strong resistance to being captured by the apes she does not reveal or show a revengeful spirit about her. And this is not merely because she cannot speak - her speechlessness is actually a revelation of her character - what kind of person/soul she is. For this reason her silence is the real hope throughout the film. It is a revelation of forgiveness.

This, the "strength"/silence of Nova is ultimately the real strength (silver lining in the cloud) of the film, and the possible salvation of Taylor/Man.

Thanks, Linda