The Story Behind The 'Mission Briefing' Scene | Ep7 | Making Apocalypse Now

Summary

The video script delves into the making of 'Apocalypse Now,' highlighting director Francis Ford Coppola's creative process and the film's production challenges. It explores the behind-the-scenes stories, including Martin Sheen's real-life cold shower, Coppola's luxurious living conditions in the Philippines, and the innovative cinematography by Vittorio Storaro. The script also details the casting choices, such as Harrison Ford's nervous performance and the improvisation by G. D. Spradlin, contributing to the film's enduring legacy.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The script discusses the filming of 'Apocalypse Now', highlighting the creative and logistical challenges faced by the production team in Vietnam and the Philippines.
• 🌐 The production design aimed to replicate the comforts of home for American officers in Vietnam, reflecting the real-life opulence experienced by officers during the war.
• 🎥 Director Francis Ford Coppola's approach to filming included using real-life discomforts, such as cold showers, to elicit authentic performances from the actors.
• 📽️ The editing process involved creative decisions like transitioning from Willard's scream to the sound of a helicopter, which influenced the final cut of scenes.
• 🏠 The Coppola family's arrival in the Philippines was met with high security and luxurious living arrangements, mirroring the American lifestyle amidst a foreign setting.
• 👷‍♂️ The production employed thousands of locals in the Philippines, significantly impacting the local economy and providing insights into the cost of labor during that time.
• 🍽️ The script mentions the lavish meals enjoyed by the cast and crew, contrasting starkly with the local pay scale and highlighting the disparity in living standards.
• 🎞️ Cinematographer Vittorio Storaro's involvement with the film is detailed, from his initial reluctance to his eventual acceptance and the creative freedom he was granted.
• 📝 The Kurtz-dossier scene is highlighted as a pivotal moment in the film, with the inclusion of then-rising star Harrison Ford and the creative incorporation of his nervousness into the role.
• 👀 The use of eye-lines and the camera's perspective from Willard's point of view adds depth and a haunting quality to the exposition scene, setting the tone for the film.
• 🏆 Storaro's commitment to the project and his innovative approach to cinematography, including the use of specific lenses and film stock, contributed to his winning an Academy Award for his work on the film.

Q & A

What was the real-life incident that Martin Sheen experienced during the filming of his drunken night scene?

Martin Sheen's scream was real because he was actually under ice cold water during the scene, which was a directorial choice by Francis Ford Coppola.

What is the significance of the saying 'pain is temporary, film is forever' in the context of filmmaking?

The saying reflects the idea that the temporary discomfort or pain actors might endure during filming can result in a memorable performance that will be appreciated for years to come, as seen with actors like Peter Jackson and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Why were some scenes of Willard being cleaned up and shaved not included in the final film?

These scenes were likely cut during editing to maintain the flow and pacing of the film, possibly due to the discovery of a more impactful transition from Willard's scream to the sound of the helicopter arriving at the airfield.

How did the production design of the American officers' living quarters in Vietnam reflect the reality of the war?

The production design aimed to portray the American officers having all the comforts of home in Vietnam, reflecting the reality that America, being a rich and powerful country, brought its resources and luxuries to the country they were fighting in.

What measures did the Philippine government take to ensure the safety of Francis Ford Coppola during the filming?

The Philippine government provided a full-time government bodyguard with a machine gun to protect Coppola from potential kidnapping by rebels, which could have caused an international incident.

How did the production of Apocalypse Now impact the local economy in the Philippines?

The production hired thousands of Filipinos for various roles, from building sets to acting as extras, injecting millions of dollars into the local economy and providing work that paid as low as three dollars a day.

What was unique about the catering arrangements for the cast and crew during the production?

The cast and crew enjoyed a variety of foods, including roast turkey, leg of lamb, and Philippine dishes. There were also instances where food was flown in from other locations, such as hamburgers and hot dogs from San Francisco for Coppola's birthday.

How did the production's scale and approach reflect the themes of the film itself?

The production's large scale, access to resources, and the way it transformed the local environment in the Philippines mirrored the themes of the film, such as the American war effort in Vietnam and the excesses that came with it.

What role did Harrison Ford play in Apocalypse Now, and how did his career evolve during the production?

Harrison Ford played Colonel Lucas, likely a nod to George Lucas. His role was filmed in 1976, and by the time the movie was released in 1979, Ford had achieved mega-stardom with Star Wars, which came out in 1977.

What challenges did Vittorio Storaro face when agreeing to be the cinematographer for Apocalypse Now?

Vittorio Storaro was initially hesitant due to his lack of experience in American productions and his limited English proficiency. However, Coppola's trust and the freedom he granted Storaro to express himself artistically helped him overcome these concerns.

How did the casting approach of Apocalypse Now contribute to the film's unique atmosphere?

Coppola's method of mixing seasoned actors with young unknowns added depth and authenticity to the film, creating a dynamic that contributed to the overall atmosphere and the development of the characters.