Was Dennis Hopper Even Acting in APOCALYPSE NOW? | Ep22 | Making Apocalypse Now

Summary

This video script delves into the creative process behind 'Apocalypse Now', highlighting Dennis Hopper's portrayal of a photojournalist and the character's evolution from a minor role to a pivotal one. It explores Hopper's personal struggles and their influence on his character, the improvisational nature of his performance, and the character's inspirations, including real-life war journalists. The script also touches on the technical challenges of filming and the dynamic between Hopper, director Francis Ford Coppola, and the rest of the cast.

Takeaways

• 🎬 Francis Ford Coppola adapted the character of the photojournalist to better fit Dennis Hopper's real-life persona, adding depth to the role.
• 🔍 The character, originally named Moonby in an early script, was a deserter with a stash of drugs, but was later transformed into the iconic photojournalist we know.
• 📽️ Dennis Hopper's career was in a slump due to the failure of 'The Last Movie,' but his involvement in 'Apocalypse Now' helped revive it.
• 🍿 Hopper's off-screen antics, such as being late and under the influence, caused challenges during the filming of 'Apocalypse Now'.
• 🌟 Despite personal issues, Hopper's talent was recognized, and Coppola tailored the role to fit Hopper's unique characteristics, including his eccentricities and struggles with substance use.
• 📚 The photojournalist character was inspired by real-life figures like Sean Flynn, a daring photojournalist who went missing in Vietnam, and Tim Page, known for his risky reporting.
• 📷 Chas Garretsen, a genuine war photographer, was hired by Coppola and influenced the development of Hopper's character, including his in-character photography style.
• 🗑️ A significant amount of Scott Glenn's work as Colby was cut from the final film, despite his immersive preparation for the role.
• 💥 The original script had a more prominent role for the photojournalist, including a dramatic death scene, but this was ultimately removed for a more open-ended conclusion.
• 🎭 Dennis Hopper's improvisational skills during filming led to many memorable lines and scenes, though it also posed challenges for the director and production.
• 🏰 Hopper compared filmmaking to the collaborative efforts of building cathedrals, suggesting that it may evolve towards a more individualistic art form in the future.

Q & A

How did Francis Ford Coppola modify characters in 'Apocalypse Now' to fit the actors?

Coppola adapted characters to fit the actors by modifying their roles to match the actors' personalities and improvisational skills, as seen with Dennis Hopper's character, which was created to utilize his eccentric behavior and artistic risk-taking.

What was the inspiration behind Dennis Hopper's photojournalist character in 'Apocalypse Now'?

The character was inspired by real-life photojournalists like Sean Flynn and Tim Page, who took risks to document the Vietnam War, and also by a Russian trader in Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness', who is devoted to Kurtz.

How did Dennis Hopper's career slump contribute to his role in 'Apocalypse Now'?

Hopper's career slump after the failure of 'The Last Movie' led to his portrayal of a character that mirrored his own life, including the use of drugs and a disheveled appearance, which added authenticity to the role.

What was the original role Dennis Hopper was supposed to play in 'Apocalypse Now'?

Initially, Hopper was considered for the role of Colby, but as the character was diminished, Hopper was cast as the photojournalist, a role that was invented for him.

What was the significance of the character Moonby in the early script of 'Apocalypse Now'?

In Coppola's 1975 rewrite, Moonby was an Australian soldier who had deserted his post and played a role in convincing the Montagnard army not to kill Willard and his crew, showing a different direction for the story.

How did the production of 'Apocalypse Now' impact Dennis Hopper's personal life?

Hopper's personal life was tumultuous during the production, with incidents of erratic behavior, substance abuse, and even a dangerous encounter with his girlfriend that involved gun shots.

What was the role of Chas Garretsen in the production of 'Apocalypse Now'?

Chas Garretsen was a real-life war photographer who was hired by Coppola to be the unit photographer on the set of 'Apocalypse Now', bringing authenticity to the film's visuals.

Why was the character of Colby originally intended to be played by Dennis Hopper?

The initial plan was for Hopper to play Colby, but as the script evolved and Colby's role was reduced, Hopper was reassigned to the newly created photojournalist character, which was better suited to his acting style and personal circumstances.

What was the significance of the deleted scene involving the photojournalist and Colby?

The deleted scene provided a more concrete resolution to the photojournalist's fate, but its removal left his destiny unresolved, mirroring the real-life story of Sean Flynn and adding depth to the film's narrative.

How did the improvisational nature of Dennis Hopper's performance affect the filming process?

Hopper's improvisation led to a lot of laughter on set but also challenges for Coppola, who had to use hand signals to communicate with the crew and eventually pushed Hopper to perform the scenes as directed.

What was the impact of Dennis Hopper's character on the portrayal of the Vietnam War in 'Apocalypse Now'?

Hopper's character, with his drug use and insanity, added a layer of realism and commentary on the war's effects on individuals, reflecting the chaotic and surreal nature of the conflict.