Clean's Death Scene: What This Scene is REALLY About | Ep18 | Making Apocalypse Now

Summary

This episode of 'Making Apocalypse Now' delves into the ambush scene where the patrol boat crew is attacked while opening their mail. The video explores the deeper meanings, connections to Greek mythology, the experiences of Black Americans in the Vietnam War, and the challenges of filming this iconic scene. It highlights the parallels drawn by Coppola between war, leadership, and followers, as well as the eerie, surreal atmosphere that defines this part of the film. The video also touches on the significance of the French Plantation sequence and other behind-the-scenes details.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The scene in 'Apocalypse Now' where the patrol boat crew is ambushed while opening mail is rich with subtext and thematic significance.
• 📜 The ambush scene was one of the last things filmed, allowing director Francis Ford Coppola to incorporate the film's conclusion into the scene's direction.
• 💌 Mail in the script symbolizes the last contact with home, with Willard receiving a letter revealing a predecessor on the same mission who fell under Kurtz's influence.
• 📰 A newspaper article about Charles Manson parallels Kurtz's influence, suggesting a commentary on war as a brutal cause carried out by devoted followers.
• 📽 The film uses subtle cuts and visual storytelling to convey its themes, such as the comparison between Manson and Kurtz, and the horrors of war.
• 🌿 In an early draft, the crew's detour through a tributary filled with hyacinths is symbolic, with hyacinths representing jealousy, sorrow, and the request for forgiveness.
• 🎵 The soundtrack and visual effects during the mail-opening scene create a sense of foreboding, despite the crew's apparent lightheartedness.
• 🚤 The ambush is depicted with surreal visuals of tracer rounds, which are子弹 that leave a visible trail, adding to the scene's dreamlike quality.
• 🎬 The challenge of filming the patrol boat passing under a downed bomber plane involved creative problem-solving and adjustments due to weather and other production issues.
• 🖤 The death of Mr. Clean and the subsequent lack of a funeral in the original script reflect the harsh realities of war and the disposable nature of soldiers, particularly young and minority soldiers.
• 📚 The script and film are layered with references to Greek mythology, historical context, and the experience of Black Americans during the Vietnam War, adding depth to the narrative.

Q & A

What is the significance of the mail-opening scene in 'Apocalypse Now'?

The mail-opening scene in 'Apocalypse Now' is significant as it serves as a moment of connection to home for the crew and foreshadows the impending doom. It also reveals that Willard is not the first to be sent on his mission, hinting at the tragic fates of those who came before him.

How does the ambush scene relate to Greek mythology?

The ambush scene is indirectly related to Greek mythology through the mention of hyacinths, which originate from the story of the Spartan prince Hyakinthos, symbolizing jealousy, sorrow, and the seeking of forgiveness.

What is the connection between the Charles Manson article and Kurtz in the script?

The connection between the Charles Manson article and Kurtz is thematic, drawing a parallel between a cult leader with dedicated followers who commit acts of violence and Kurtz's influence over his followers in the movie.

What was the original purpose of the Do Lung Bridge sequence in the script?

In the original script, the Do Lung Bridge sequence was meant to be a surreal and hellish depiction of war, serving as a gateway to the alien and primitive world beyond, symbolizing the point of no return for the characters.

Why was the scene of the patrol boat passing under the tail section of a downed bomber plane challenging to film?

Filming the scene of the patrol boat passing under the tail section of a downed bomber plane was challenging due to the practical effects required, including the construction of the set piece, managing live monkeys, and dealing with weather conditions that affected the visibility of the support structures.

What was the role of Lance in the original John Milius draft of the script?

In John Milius's 1969 draft, Lance had a more prominent role, including a backstory about joining the Navy due to unrequited love, which was later cut from the script.

How does the script suggest a parallel between the Vietnam War and the experiences of Black Americans?

The script suggests a parallel by highlighting the disproportionate number of Black Americans drafted into the war and their placement in the most dangerous areas, reflecting the racial disparities and injustices they faced both at home and abroad.

What was the intended impact of Clean's funeral scene on the audience?

Clean's funeral scene, which was added in the Redux version, was intended as a tribute to the youth of America, particularly the many young soldiers under the age of 20 who died in the Vietnam War.

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

The French Plantation sequence was cut from the theatrical release due to its length and the complexity of the scene, which included expensive and hectic filming conditions. It was later included in the Redux version of the film.

What is the significance of the 'sell the house, sell the car, sell the kids' letter in the script?

The letter signifies the extreme disillusionment and detachment of the previous operative sent on Willard's mission, foreshadowing the psychological impact of the mission and the influence of Kurtz on his followers.