Meet Kilgore: The Story Behind One of Coppola’s Most Complex Scenes | Ep9 | Making Apocalypse Now

Summary

This script delves into the making of an epic scene from 'Apocalypse Now,' highlighting the complexities of coordinating a massive set with hundreds of extras and multiple languages. It discusses the meticulous planning and attention to detail by director Francis Ford Coppola, the challenges of continuity, and the cultural impact of the Vietnam War's portrayal in media. The summary also touches on the character development of Colonel Kilgore, played by Robert Duvall, and the surreal elements that give the film its unique identity.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The script describes a complex and iconic scene from 'Apocalypse Now', showcasing the meticulous planning and execution of a large-scale cinematic moment involving hundreds of extras and military vehicles.
• 🌐 Language barriers added to the complexity of the scene, with the crew speaking multiple languages including English, Italian, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and French.
• 📚 Director Francis Ford Coppola's use of index cards for scene planning, a method he also employed in 'The Godfather', is highlighted, emphasizing his attention to detail in creating memorable vignettes.
• 🏆 The cameo appearance of Coppola himself as the film crew director, along with other crew members, adds a meta-layer to the scene and showcases the director's hands-on approach.
• 👔 The importance of authenticity in costume design is underscored, with the production designer Dean Tavoularis ensuring the costumes were period-appropriate, even firing workers for using the wrong materials.
• 🎨 Cinematographer Vittorio Storaro's dedication to his craft is evident, with his insistence on developing the film in Rome and his ability to create stunning visuals amidst chaos.
• 🌊 The character of Colonel Kilgore, played by Robert Duvall, is introduced as a memorable and multifaceted figure, reflecting both the absurdity and honor of war.
• 🏄‍♂️ Kilgore's surfing obsession is a recurring theme, tying back to real-life stories of military personnel engaging in leisure activities amidst combat, and adding a surreal element to the film.
• 📹 The inclusion of real photographers Nancy Moran and Mary Ellen Mark as war photographers in the scene adds an extra layer of realism and connection to the historical context.
• 🔍 The challenges of continuity in such a dynamic scene are discussed, with Coppola's unique approach to editing and prioritizing the best takes over strict continuity.
• 🌃 The logistical difficulties of night shoots, including travel restrictions and the need for crew to camp on location, highlight the production's commitment to capturing the right shots despite obstacles.

Q & A

What is the first epic scene depicted in the movie 'Apocalypse Now'?

The first epic scene in 'Apocalypse Now' shows Willard and the PBR crew finding the Air Cavalry, their escorts, engaged in a post-battle cleanup at the 'mouth of the Nung River', 30 kilometers before their designated meeting area.

How does the 'Apocalypse Now' scene with Colonel Kilgore introduce the bizarre nature of war?

The scene introduces the bizarre nature of war through the juxtaposition of large military operations with the character of Colonel Kilgore, who is depicted as a memorable and eccentric figure, showcasing the surreal aspects of warfare.

What was the language challenge faced during the filming of the 'Apocalypse Now' scene?

The filming was complicated by the presence of multiple languages spoken by the crew and extras, including English, Italian, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and French, which made coordination and communication challenging.

How did Francis Ford Coppola plan his scenes in 'Apocalypse Now'?

Coppola planned his scenes by writing out a series of vignettes on index cards, a method he also used in 'The Godfather'. He would include various details to make the scenes more memorable.

What is the significance of the vignette with the film crew in the 'Apocalypse Now' scene?

The vignette with the film crew highlights the impact of television on the Vietnam War and the perception of the war by the American public. It also features a cameo by Coppola himself, directing the soldiers in the scene.

Why were the costumes in 'Apocalypse Now' important for authenticity?

The costumes were crucial for authenticity because they had to be absolutely true to the period. Dean Tavoularis, the production designer, even fired local workers for using blended polyester and cotton instead of pure cotton for the Vietnamese soldier uniforms.

What is the significance of the 'death cards' thrown by Colonel Kilgore on the bodies of the deceased?

The 'death cards' with the motto 'death from above' were meant to demoralize the enemy, showcasing Kilgore's psychological warfare tactics.

Who played Colonel Kilgore in 'Apocalypse Now' and what was his significance?

Colonel Kilgore was played by Robert Duvall. Duvall's portrayal of Kilgore is significant as it brings to life one of the film's most memorable characters, adding depth to the narrative with his eccentric personality.

What is the connection between the character Kilgore and the real-life Air Cavalry?

Kilgore's character was based on real-life Air Cavalry commanders, with screenwriter John Milius knowing someone who inspired the character. Kilgore's obsession with surfing also reflects the real stories of the Air Cavalry.

How did the filming process of 'Apocalypse Now' affect the continuity of the scenes?

The complexity of the scenes and the coordination required made continuity challenging. Coppola's technique was to conform the entire scene to the piece that evolved to be better or to work around it in editing, rather than trying to match every detail.

What was the impact of cinematographer Vittorio Storaro's contract on the development of the film?

Storaro's contract required the film to be developed in Rome, which caused delays in getting the developed film back, adding to the complexity of the production process and requiring trust in the execution of scenes without immediate feedback.