The French Plantation Sequence FINALLY Explained | Ep19 | Making Apocalypse Now

Summary

The script delves into the complex production history of Francis Ford Coppola's 'Apocalypse Now,' focusing on the French Plantation sequence. Initially cut due to its high cost and narrative tangent, the sequence was later restored in the Redux version. It explores themes of colonialism, war, and the stubborn persistence of history's remnants, with a detailed look at the set's opulence, the director's creative struggles, and the eventual inclusion of this surreal, dreamlike scene in the final cut.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The French Plantation sequence in 'Apocalypse Now' was initially cut from the film due to the difficulties and frustrations faced during its production.
• 🌫️ The sequence was intended to be dreamlike and ghostly, with fog playing a significant role in creating the atmosphere.
• 📚 The script was revisited to reflect historical context, showing the French colonial past in Vietnam and the subsequent conflicts.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 Director Francis Ford Coppola incorporated personal elements, such as having his sons act in the scene and using a family anecdote for authenticity.
• 🍽️ A real French gourmet meal was prepared for the actors to enhance the realism of the scene, emphasizing the importance of sensory details in storytelling.
• 💸 The production was over budget, leading to cost-cutting measures such as hiring cheaper actors and concerns over the expensive set design.
• 🏆 Despite the financial strain, the set design won an Oscar for its meticulous detail, showcasing the dedication to authenticity in art direction.
• 🌅 The use of 'magic hour' lighting added to the dreamlike quality of the scene but also limited the shooting time, adding pressure to the production.
• 🎥 Coppola's preferred method of continuous shooting was challenged by the complexities of the scene, leading to a shift in approach partway through.
• 🗣️ Language barriers and pronunciation issues added to the difficulties, with Coppola going to great lengths to correct lines and ensure clarity.
• 📹 The final cut of the film did not include the French Plantation sequence, but it was later included in the Redux version, offering fans a complete vision of Coppola's work.

Q & A

Why was the French Plantation sequence in 'Apocalypse Now' considered difficult to film?

The French Plantation sequence was challenging due to various factors such as weather conditions, budget constraints, and creative differences. Director Francis Ford Coppola faced issues with the fog, the need for additional fog machines, and the frustration of not being able to capture all the expensive set details on camera.

What was the historical context of the French Plantation scene in the film?

The scene is set against the backdrop of French colonial history in Vietnam, starting from the colonization by Napoleon III's France in 1857, through the exploitation of Vietnamese resources, the rise of Ho Chi Minh's Communist movement, and the eventual French departure after the loss at Dien Bien Phu in 1954.

How did the typhoon impact the filming of the French Plantation sequence?

The typhoon caused significant damage to several sets, including the first structure seen in the plantation. This led to the need for reshoots, including the approach to the dock, to capture the right mood for the scene.

What was the significance of the poem 'The Albatross' in the dinner scene?

The poem 'The Albatross' by Baudelaire, which was recited by Roman Coppola's character, symbolizes the cruelty of life and the plight of the poet, stranded on Earth. It serves as a metaphor for the French family's situation, clinging to their colonial past amidst the changing tides of history.

Why was the French Plantation sequence eventually cut from the original release of 'Apocalypse Now'?

Coppola decided to cut the sequence due to its high cost and the frustration he experienced during filming. He felt that the scene did not contribute significantly to the main narrative of Willard's journey upriver to find Kurtz.

How did the Hearts of Darkness documentary bring attention to the French Plantation sequence?

The Hearts of Darkness documentary, released in 1991, included excerpts from the French Plantation sequence, giving the public a glimpse of the expensive and complex scene that was initially left out of the film.

What was the role of Vittorio Storaro in the French Plantation sequence?

Vittorio Storaro was the cinematographer for 'Apocalypse Now'. He was responsible for the lighting and visual composition of the French Plantation sequence, aiming to create a dream-like atmosphere with the use of fog and shadows.

How did the casting process for the French Plantation sequence affect the filming?

The casting process was stressful and last-minute, with some actors being flown in less than two weeks before shooting. Language barriers and the use of non-actors added to the challenges faced by Coppola during the filming.

What was the significance of the French gourmet chef and the real food served during the meal scene?

The use of a French gourmet chef and real food added authenticity to the scene and enhanced the sensory experience for the actors. It also symbolized the lavish and surreal nature of the French family's existence amidst the war.

How did the filming techniques used by Coppola during the French Plantation sequence differ from his usual approach?

Coppola typically prefers to keep the cameras rolling and play out scenes completely to capture momentum and intuition. However, due to the difficulties faced during the French Plantation sequence, he resorted to shooting the scene in pieces, which was a departure from his usual method.

When was the full French Plantation sequence finally released to the public?

The full French Plantation sequence was included in the Redux version of 'Apocalypse Now', which was released in 2001, allowing the public to see the complete scene for the first time.