LEGENDARY REVEAL: “JANE” — Brett Morgen’s Intimate Portrait of Jane Goodall, Set to the Music of Philip Glass
In the history of science and conservation, few figures have captured the world’s imagination like Dr. Jane Goodall. Her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees in Tanzania redefined humanity’s understanding of the natural world, bridging the gap between species and reshaping our view of what it means to be human. In 2017, award-winning filmmaker Brett Morgen brought her remarkable story to the screen with the acclaimed documentary “JANE.”
The film draws from more than 100 hours of previously unseen archival footage, much of it captured in vivid color by Goodall’s former husband, wildlife cameraman Hugo van Lawick, during her early years in the field. These reels, long stored away in the archives of the National Geographic Society, offer an unparalleled window into the early chapters of Goodall’s life and work in Gombe Stream National Park.
Directed by Brett Morgen, known for pushing the boundaries of documentary storytelling, JANE weaves together breathtaking visuals, rare footage, and personal reflections to create an intimate portrait of a young woman who defied convention and followed her passion into uncharted territory. The film does not merely recount her discoveries; it immerses the viewer in the lush landscapes of Gombe, allowing us to walk beside her as she quietly observes chimpanzees, takes notes, and makes connections that would alter scientific thought forever.
At the heart of the documentary is Goodall’s ability to see chimpanzees not as research subjects, but as individuals with personalities, emotions, and family bonds. Through the lens of van Lawick’s camera, audiences witness her interactions with iconic chimpanzees such as David Greybeard, the first to accept her presence, and others who became central to her research. These encounters culminated in one of the most significant scientific revelations of the 20th century: chimpanzees not only use tools but also demonstrate intelligence and social complexity once thought unique to humans.
What elevates JANE beyond the scope of traditional biography is its artistry. The film is underscored by a lush, emotional orchestral score composed by the legendary Philip Glass. His music, both delicate and sweeping, amplifies the emotional resonance of Goodall’s journey. The combination of Glass’s score with van Lawick’s footage and Morgen’s direction creates a cinematic experience that is both intimate and epic, reflecting the grandeur of Goodall’s discoveries as well as the vulnerability of her personal life.
The documentary also explores Goodall’s humanity — her love, her struggles, and her resilience. It portrays not only her scientific triumphs but also the personal sacrifices she made along the way. In doing so, it paints a portrait of a trailblazer who was not only a scientist but also a dreamer, a mother, and eventually one of the world’s most admired conservationists.
Upon its release, JANE received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. It was praised as a moving, visually stunning film that reintroduced Goodall’s story to a new generation. Viewers were struck not only by the historical value of the archival footage but also by the immediacy of Goodall’s message — a reminder that the survival of our planet depends on the choices we make today.
Even now, following her passing in 2025 at the age of 91, JANE stands as one of the most enduring cinematic tributes to her life and work. It encapsulates the wonder, determination, and compassion that defined her career, ensuring that her voice continues to inspire long after she is gone.
Through Brett Morgen’s artistry and Philip Glass’s music, JANE remains more than a documentary — it is a celebration of a woman who changed the world, one quiet observation at a time.