Playboy Sequence: The WILD Story Behind Filming This Scene | Ep14 | Making Apocalypse Now

Summary

The video script delves into the making of a surreal and chaotic scene from 'Apocalypse Now,' featuring a Playboy bunny show amidst the Vietnam War. It discusses the scene's inspiration, meticulous period-accuracy, and the challenges of filming, including a typhoon that destroyed the original set. The script also touches on the cultural impact of the scene, the use of real Playboy models, and the cameo by Bill Graham, highlighting the blend of reality and absurdity in the film.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The script describes a scene from 'Apocalypse Now' where a patrol boat encounters a brightly lit stage, reminiscent of a USO show, set in a coastal town called Iba.
• 📅 The production for this scene took place on May 21st, 1976, and was inspired by the real-life visit of Playmate of the Year Jo Collins to Vietnam to entertain troops.
• 📦 In the script, Coppola emphasizes the overwhelming supplies available to the soldiers, highlighting the contrast between their needs and the excess of material support.
• 🎭 The original setting of the scene was to be inland during the day, but after a typhoon destroyed the set, it was rebuilt on a barge on Lake Caliraya to take place at night over water.
• 🌆 Cinematographer Vittorio Storaro used the scene to represent the theme of cultural imposition, using artificial light to contrast with the natural darkness of the jungle.
• 🎬 The filming was a logistical challenge, requiring many extras and a night shoot that lasted sixteen hours, with Coppola and crew members participating as extras.
• 🚁 The scene involved a helicopter with the Playboy logo, and real Playboy models participated in the shoot, thanks to Coppola's reputation and negotiation.
• 💰 The budget for the film included payments to various cast members, with Bill Graham, a concert organizer, being paid a notable sum for his cameo.
• 🔞 There was concern over the portrayal of the USO in the film, but assurances were given that the USO would not be negatively depicted.
• 🎭 The script also contains references to historical and cultural elements, such as the allusion to the sirens from Homer's 'The Odyssey' and the impact of the Playboy Bunnies on the soldiers.
• 🎉 The scene ends with a surreal departure, using colored smoke to signal a transition into the absurd, a motif that runs through the film.

Q & A

What was the significance of the brightly lit stage encountered by the patrol boat in the script?

The brightly lit stage was a surreal sight that symbolized the absurdity of bringing a piece of Americana, a USO show, into the heart of the Vietnam War. It was meant to entertain the troops but also served as a stark contrast to the dark and dangerous environment of the war zone.

Where was the scene with the USO show actually filmed?

The scene was filmed in a coastal town called Iba, not in Hau Phat as depicted in the script.

What was the original inspiration for the USO show scene?

The inspiration came from Playmate of the Year Jo Collins' visit to Vietnam to entertain troops at Black Virgin Mountain, which was arranged after soldiers pooled their money for a lifetime subscription to Playboy magazine.

How did the production ensure period accuracy in the USO show scene?

Production designer Dean Tavoularis shipped items like Zippo lighters and cigarette cartons from the States, along with specific types of chewing gum, all wrapped in their original 1968 packaging to maintain authenticity.

Why was the scene initially set inland during the day and later changed?

Director Francis Ford Coppola decided to change the setting to nighttime on the water after realizing that the original set did not have the dramatic impact he envisioned when viewed from the river.

What role did Bill Graham play in the USO show scene, and was it a cameo?

Bill Graham played the manager of the Playboy Bunnies in the scene, and yes, it was a cameo. He was a real-life concert organizer and promoter known for making the Fillmore famous.

What challenges did the production face in filming the USO show scene?

The production faced challenges such as a typhoon that destroyed the original set, requiring a rebuild on a barge. Additionally, they had to manage a large number of extras, sporadic rain, and the logistics of a night shoot.

How did the use of artificial light in the scene contribute to the overall theme?

Cinematographer Vittorio Storaro used artificial light to represent the over-imposition of one culture on another, creating a contrast between natural and artificial energy, and enhancing the darkness of the jungle.

What was the significance of the helicopter with the Playboy logo in the scene?

The helicopter symbolized the intrusion of American culture and values into the war zone. It was also a logistical achievement, as Playboy was initially protective of its models and their appearance in films.

How did the script evolve over time, particularly regarding the character of Willard?

Willard's speeches were initially more prominent but were later replaced with voice-over written by Michael Herr. The script also evolved to include more of Willard's internal thoughts and reactions to the surreal events around him.

What was the impact of the Playboy scene on the image of the USO, and how did the USO respond?

There were concerns that the scene might tarnish the image of the USO. However, the USO was assured that it would not be referenced in the movie, and no harm would come to its image. The director of USO shows requested a script review, which was declined.