The Events that Led Coppola to Apocalypse Now | Ep1 | Making Apocalypse Now

Summary

This video explores the making of Francis Ford Coppola's 'Apocalypse Now,' drawing on interviews and resources like Eleanor Coppola's 'Hearts of Darkness.' It delves into the film's development, script, casting, and editing, highlighting Coppola's artistic vision and the challenges he faced, set against the backdrop of the New Hollywood movement.

Takeaways

• 🎬 Francis Ford Coppola's reflection on power and responsibility after the success of 'The Godfather' films led him to consider the impact of his future projects on the public.
• 🌐 The Godfather films explore themes of power and influence within a structured world, raising questions about authority in the absence of structure.
• 🎥 Coppola's next project after 'The Godfather Part II' and 'The Conversation' was to be a film about Vietnam, focusing on war and the human soul, with an awareness of the potential political implications.
• 📚 The series delves into the making of 'Apocalypse Now', a film that is a significant case study in film history due to its independent production without studio interference.
• 🌪 'Apocalypse Now' is based loosely on Joseph Conrad’s novella 'Heart of Darkness', with the setting adapted to the Vietnam War, highlighting the conflict as a 'proxy war' during the Cold War.
• 🚢 The idea to adapt 'Heart of Darkness' to the Vietnam War context was conceived by John Milius and George Lucas, after numerous failed attempts to adapt the novella for the screen.
• 🌩 The production of 'Apocalypse Now' was notorious for its difficulties, including casting issues, health problems, a typhoon, and political instability, affecting Coppola deeply.
• 🏆 'Apocalypse Now' was released during the New Hollywood movement, characterized by risk-taking and a 'revisionist' approach to filmmaking, diverging from traditional methods.
• 🏆 The film's surreal depiction of the Vietnam War, though not historically accurate, captures the war's mentality and its profound effects on soldiers, American culture, and perceptions of human nature.
• 👨‍🎓 Coppola's early life, including a bout with polio and a creative upbringing, influenced his storytelling abilities and led him to a career in filmmaking.
• 🎼 His father, Carmine Coppola, was a composer and flutist, contributing original music to several of Francis Ford Coppola's films, including 'The Godfather' series and 'Apocalypse Now'.

Q & A

What was Francis Ford Coppola's statement about power in his 1975 Playboy Magazine interview?

Coppola stated that he was determined to give tremendous thought to the impact any project he undertakes would have on the public, acknowledging the responsibility filmmakers have in considering the implications of their work.

What theme does The Godfather films explore according to Coppola's interview?

The Godfather films explore the theme of power and influence in a world of laws and structure.

What was Coppola's next project after The Godfather Part II?

Coppola's next project was a film about Vietnam, focusing on war and the human soul, rather than being strictly political.

What is the significance of Apocalypse Now in film history?

Apocalypse Now is significant as a large-budget epic art film done independently without studio interference, representing a unique case study in film history.

What is the source material for Apocalypse Now?

Apocalypse Now is loosely based on Joseph Conrad’s 1902 novella, Heart of Darkness, which was originally set in the Congo during the colonial era.

How did the setting of Apocalypse Now differ from the original setting of Heart of Darkness?

The setting of Apocalypse Now changes the backdrop of Heart of Darkness to center around the Vietnam War, reflecting the conflict between communist North Vietnam and anti-communist South Vietnam.

Who thought of the idea to recontextualize Heart of Darkness around the Vietnam War?

The idea to recontextualize Heart of Darkness around the Vietnam War was thought of by John Milius and George Lucas.

What was the impact of Roger Corman on Francis Ford Coppola's early career?

Roger Corman provided Coppola with opportunities to work on various creative jobs in filmmaking, which helped launch Coppola's career and allowed him to develop his skills.

What was the significance of The Godfather in Coppola's career?

The Godfather was a turning point in Coppola's career, rescuing him from financial difficulties and establishing him as a prominent filmmaker in Hollywood.

What challenges did Coppola face during the production of Apocalypse Now?

The production of Apocalypse Now faced numerous difficulties including casting issues, health problems, a typhoon, and even military coups, leading to a downward spiral of doubt and frustration for Coppola.

What was the role of American Zoetrope in Coppola's filmmaking journey?

American Zoetrope was a studio founded by Coppola and George Lucas as a way to make movies outside of the Hollywood studio system’s control, allowing them to pursue more independent and personal projects.