STRANGE STORIES from Making the Kurtz Compound | Ep21 | Making Apocalypse Now

Summary

This video script delves into the surreal and chaotic production tales behind 'Apocalypse Now', highlighting bizarre incidents like a revolt by an army of monkeys, the near arrest of the crew for using real dead bodies as set decor, and the creative challenges of realizing the Kurtz compound. It also pays tribute to Eleanor Coppola, whose diary provides an intimate look into the film's production, and discusses the intricate set design and cultural authenticity, all while navigating the blurred lines between art and reality.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The production of 'Apocalypse Now' was fraught with unusual incidents, including a revolt by an army of monkeys and a near-arrest for using real dead bodies on set.
• 📅 The timeline of the Kurtz compound scene was filmed in September 1976, several months before Martin Sheen's heart attack in March 1977.
• 🚢 Director Francis Ford Coppola drew inspiration from photos of a Borneo ceremony for the Kurtz compound scene, aiming to depict Willard's state of mind as newborn-like and confused.
• 🎨 The makeup process for the boatmen scene was extensive, taking six hours, and was ruined by an unexpected underwater explosion that sent the extras into the water to collect dead fish.
• 🐒 'Monkey Island' was the site of a revolt by the hired monkeys, who attacked the set dressers and escaped into the jungle, forcing the production to use human extras instead.
• 📽️ The documentary 'Aliens Expanded' is a deep dive into the making of 'Aliens', featuring interviews with the cast, crew, and James Cameron himself, set to release in June.
• 🔥 The Kurtz compound set was designed with surreal elements like fire coming from the water, adding to the film's expressionistic and psychedelic nature.
• 🏰 The construction of the Kurtz temple and compound was a massive undertaking, using primitive methods and local labor, and was intended to be realistic enough to be destroyed in the film's climax.
• 🗝️ Dean Tavoularis, the production designer, faced numerous challenges, including the confiscation of weapons and the controversy over the use of real cadavers for the set decoration.
• 🎭 The use of real people and objects, such as the Ifugao tribe and actual trash, contributed to the authenticity and surreal atmosphere of the film.
• 🚫 The Philippine military's investigation into the use of real cadavers and the grave-robbing supplier added another layer of real-life drama to the already troubled production.

Q & A

What was the unusual incident involving makeup and an underwater explosion during the filming of the Kurtz compound scene?

During the filming of the Kurtz compound scene, makeup artists had spent six hours applying white makeup to the boatmen extras. However, when a special effects technician set off an underwater explosion as a test, all the extras jumped into the water to collect dead fish, ruining their makeup and the day's shoot.

Why was the Kurtz compound set difficult to build?

The Kurtz compound set was difficult to build because it was constructed on location using three hundred pound adobe blocks made on-site without the aid of modern construction machines. The set also included intricate decorations and had to accommodate a large number of extras and equipment.

What was the 'Monkey Island' incident during the Apocalypse Now production?

The 'Monkey Island' incident occurred when the production team released thirty 'non-swimming' monkeys on an island to act as inhabitants. Instead of staying, the monkeys attacked the set dressers and then swam away into the jungle, escaping the island.

How did the production of Apocalypse Now affect Dean Tavoularis, the production designer?

Dean Tavoularis was deeply affected by the production of Apocalypse Now. Living at the Kurtz compound location, he slipped into a depression due to the surrounding atmosphere of death and the use of real cadavers during the set dressing.

What was the controversy surrounding the use of real bodies on the set?

A prop man had arranged for real bodies, supposedly sourced from a supplier who provided cadavers for medical schools. However, it was later discovered that the supplier was a grave robber, and the production was investigated for a week by the Philippine military to determine if they had any involvement in the deaths.

Why was the Kurtz compound designed the way it was?

The Kurtz compound was designed to signify Kurtz's 'descent into madness' and was inspired by the Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia. It was meant to appear overgrown and reclaimed by the jungle, part of a former civilization, and a fortress.

What was the significance of the Ifugao tribe in the production?

The Ifugao tribe was hired to play Kurtz's Montagnard army because they naturally fit the role and did not require daily wardrobe changes. They also helped in decorating the set by carving totems and building parts of it themselves.

How did the production handle the portrayal of violence and death in the Kurtz compound scene?

The production used a combination of real and fake elements to portray violence and death. They used real bones with rotting meat and maggots for authenticity, as well as fake blood, dummies, and rubber-made weapons for safety and practicality.

What challenges did the production face with the Kurtz temple set?

The Kurtz temple set faced challenges such as the need for manual construction without modern machinery, sourcing and transporting materials like bones for decoration, and maintaining authenticity amidst the harsh conditions and smell from the decaying organic matter.

What was the role of Eleanor Coppola's production diary in understanding the making of Apocalypse Now?

Eleanor Coppola's production diary, 'Notes on the Making of Apocalypse Now,' provided an intimate and in-depth look into the production process, the challenges faced, and the personal experiences of those involved, offering a unique perspective on the creation of the film.

How did the production manage the use of real and fake elements in the Kurtz compound scene?

The production managed the use of real and fake elements by employing real actors for close-up shots and dummies for background decoration. They also used real bones for authenticity and fake blood and rubber weapons for safety and practical effects.