Medevac Scene: The CRAZY Story Behind Filming in a REAL TYPHOON | Ep15 | Making Apocalypse Now

Summary

This episode of 'Making Apocalypse Now' delves into the challenges faced during the filming of the medevac scene amidst a typhoon. It explores how director Francis Ford Coppola's decision to incorporate the severe weather into the film led to the scene's exclusion from the Final Cut. The summary also touches on the production's difficulties, including set destruction, health issues among the crew, and the impact of the typhoon on the film's timeline and budget.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The script discusses the challenges faced during the filming of 'Apocalypse Now', particularly the impact of Typhoon Olga on the production.
• 🌪️ Typhoon Olga, the worst typhoon to hit the Philippines in forty years, caused significant destruction to the sets and halted production, leading to a costly delay.
• 🚢 The patrol boats used in the film faced issues with speed, which mirrored real-life problems during the shooting of the Playboy sequence.
• 🌧️ Director Francis Ford Coppola decided to incorporate the typhoon's effects into the film, using the damaged sets for the medevac scene, adding a layer of authenticity.
• 🎭 The medevac scene was filmed amidst actual typhoon conditions, with the剧组 enduring difficult conditions to capture the authenticity of the setting.
• 💸 The production's financial strain was exacerbated by the typhoon, with Coppola's personal funds at risk and insurance covering most of the rebuilding costs.
• 📖 Jerry Zeismer's book provides an in-depth account of the typhoon's impact on the production, offering insights into the decision-making process during the crisis.
• 📽️ The medevac scene was initially cut from the theatrical release, included in the Redux version, and then removed again from the Final Cut, reflecting Coppola's evolving vision of the film.
• 🔮 The intended third vignette involving a tarot card reading was never filmed due to the typhoon and the subsequent hiatus, leaving the scene feeling unfinished.
• 🏥 The use of polluted river water for fake rain led to the hospitalization of key crew members, including Coppola, further highlighting the production's struggles.
• 🎬 The script also touches on the surreal and chaotic nature of the film's production, which mirrors the themes and atmosphere of 'Apocalypse Now' itself.

Q & A

Why was the typhoon scene in 'Apocalypse Now' left out of the Final Cut?

The typhoon scene was left out of the Final Cut because it was never fully finished due to the typhoon and looming hiatus, and Coppola felt that the scene's purpose didn't read to the audience as he had intended.

What was the impact of Typhoon Olga on the Philippines during the production of 'Apocalypse Now'?

Typhoon Olga was the worst typhoon to hit the Philippines in forty years, killing 140 Filipinos, leaving thousands without homes, and causing significant damage to the film sets and production equipment.

How did the production of 'Apocalypse Now' mirror real-life events during the Vietnam War?

The production mirrored America's involvement in Vietnam by creating infrastructure in invaded areas, which could be abandoned when no longer needed, similar to how the US left Vietnam.

What was the role of Bill Graham and the Playboy Bunnies in the production of 'Apocalypse Now'?

Bill Graham and the Playboy Bunnies were part of the Playboy sequence in the film. Their arrival to shoot the scene coincided with a problem with the Patrol Boats, which couldn't go fast enough, reflecting issues in the production.

What challenges did the production of 'Apocalypse Now' face due to the typhoon?

The typhoon caused significant delays and costs, with sets being destroyed, equipment damaged, and the crew facing health issues from contaminated water. It also led to a six-week hiatus and a two million dollar loss.

How did the typhoon affect the shooting of the medevac scene in 'Apocalypse Now'?

The typhoon destroyed the sets and disrupted the shooting schedule. The scene was eventually filmed using the damaged set as is, with real rain and pumped river water to create the effect of a typhoon.

What was the significance of the deleted medevac scene in the different versions of 'Apocalypse Now'?

The medevac scene was initially cut from the theatrical version, included in the Redux version, and then removed again from the Final Cut, providing a unique opportunity to study a scene by a great director that was ultimately deemed unworthy.

What were the health consequences for the crew after using polluted river water for fake rain in 'Apocalypse Now'?

The use of polluted river water led to crewmembers, including Coppola, being hospitalized due to malnutrition and dehydration, with Coppola losing around twenty pounds in a few days.

How did the typhoon affect the shooting schedule and budget of 'Apocalypse Now'?

The typhoon delayed the production by six weeks and cost the production two million dollars, with the insurance covering most of the rebuilding costs and other expenses.

What was the role of the insurance payout in the continuation of the production of 'Apocalypse Now'?

The insurance payout of $1,185,000 covered most of the rebuilding costs, the costs of getting a new patrol boat, and moving the crew to a new shooting location, effectively saving the production.

How did the hiatus after the typhoon impact the cast and crew of 'Apocalypse Now'?

The hiatus allowed the cast and crew to return home for a much-needed break. However, about half of the crew was unable to return to the Philippines due to weight loss and exhaustion.