Loin(cloth) King

A Paris show on Tarzan has become wildly popular. Curator Roger Boulay analyses his popularity

A Paris show on Tarzan has become wildly popular. Curator Roger Boulay analyses his popularity

A primal man in a loincloth who yowls as he swings from branch to branch has set the hearts of chic Parisians aflutter. An estimated 70,o00 people have already trooped to see the exhibition at the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris, comprising film clips, comics, African totems and even stuffed crocodiles. As Hollywood gets ready to film another adventure of the ape man, with Warner Brothers approaching Stephen Sommers (GI Joe: Rise of the Cobra) to direct, and Stuart Beattie of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise to write the script, Open decided to ask curator Roger Boulay to explain how Tarzan swings so effortless through the ages. And whether he is of special relevance today as the hero of the elements, a green warrior as against the gadget-toting super spies of the world.

Q What do you think is Tarzan’s appeal today? Is it because he transports us back to an era when women could unabashedly expect to be rescued? And men could thump their chests without any trace of embarrassment?

A Yes, all these things are true. But also that today, Tarzan is appreciated because of his natural side, as a protector of the environment, he’s more human than other heroes who don’t hesitate to devastate the planet to help people. Tarzan doesn’t use weapons, guns, etcetera. He’s more human, charming and delightful than say, an artificial cop in recent films. I think women are charmed, men want to be him.

Q Why the African totems and the female robot from Frtiz Lang’s 1927 film Metropolis in the show?

A The totems allow a better understanding of this fantasy Africa of our hero. Edgar Rice Burroughs, you know, never set foot in Africa. The robot depicts the symbolic confrontation between the naked hero and superheroes/robots.

Q Does Tarzan score over the trio of Superman, Spiderman and Batman?

A Tarzan is totally different from the first two and that’s why he is original and very popular. Tarzan is a true hero who doesn’t get his power from any galaxy. He is a true man, non-robot. You could say Batman deals with the jungle of the city and Tarzan with the jungle of the countryside.

Q Asterix, Tintin or Tarzan?

A Tarzan, of course! The others are little men. He’s more credible and that’s why he won our trust. We all built shacks, played in trees… Tarzan fascinates because he looks like other humans.

Q Who made the best Tarzan on screen? And Jane?

A Without any doubt, it’s Johnny Weissmuller. He was charismatic, elegant with an amazing physique. And Maureen O’Sullivan for Jane.

Q Who do you think should play Tarzan today?

A Woody Allen, navigating the jungle of relationships.

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