Apocalypse Now: Crash Course Film Criticism #8

Summary

Apocalypse Now, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is a complex war film that blends multiple genres and explores the psychological toll of the Vietnam War. It follows Captain Willard's journey up the river to assassinate Colonel Kurtz, a soldier who has gone insane. Through chaos on set and a troubled production, Coppola created a masterpiece that reflects on both the absurdity of war and the internal battle within the mind of its protagonist. The film is a multi-layered exploration of military, psychological, and existential themes, offering various interpretations that remain relevant and thought-provoking today.

Takeaways

• 😀 Coppola's *Apocalypse Now* is a war film that explores the psyche of one soldier, intertwining the horrors of the Vietnam War with a journey into the mind.
• 😀 The film's production was plagued by issues including delays, budget overruns, actor struggles, and extreme stress on director Francis Ford Coppola.
• 😀 The film's narrative is based on Joseph Conrad's novella *Heart of Darkness*, but recontextualized in the Vietnam War with the character of Willard sent to assassinate Kurtz.
• 😀 Willard’s journey through the jungle mirrors his mental unraveling, and the film blurs the lines between his internal and external realities.
• 😀 Coppola’s ambitious vision faced numerous hurdles, such as actor Martin Sheen’s health issues and the typhoon that destroyed production sets.
• 😀 The film's absurd, surreal elements, like the USO show and the helicopter assault, highlight the madness and chaos of war.
• 😀 Through a psychoanalytic lens, *Apocalypse Now* can be interpreted as a journey into Willard's troubled mind, with other characters representing different facets of his psyche.
• 😀 The film defies traditional war movie tropes, depicting soldiers as mentally exhausted, losing hope, and caught in the senselessness of war.
• 😀 B. Ruby Rich suggests that *Apocalypse Now* operates in multiple genres, including a western, a war film, and a psychological journey, creating a unique cinematic experience.
• 😀 The climax, where Willard kills Kurtz, reflects an internal battle, as Willard confronts his darkest impulses, questioning how one destroys a part of themselves.
• 😀 *Apocalypse Now* is a masterpiece that invites varied interpretations, remaining relevant even decades after its release due to its complex themes and production story.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the movie *Apocalypse Now*?

The central theme of *Apocalypse Now* is the psychological and moral destruction caused by the Vietnam War. The film explores a soldier’s journey not only through the war-torn landscape of Vietnam but also into his own mind, highlighting the deep impacts of trauma and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

How does the film *Apocalypse Now* relate to Joseph Conrad's novella *Heart of Darkness*?

In *Apocalypse Now*, the story mirrors Conrad's *Heart of Darkness*, with Captain Willard's mission to find and kill Colonel Kurtz paralleling Marlow's journey in search of Kurtz in the Congo. Both works delve into themes of obsession, colonialism, and the moral decay of individuals when faced with power and isolation.

Why is Willard's character seen as a representation of the psychological effects of war?

Willard's character is portrayed as deeply affected by the horrors of war. His inner turmoil and disillusionment are reflected in his detached, emotionless actions, particularly his cold approach to the violence and death he witnesses. His journey upriver can be interpreted as a descent into his own fractured mind.

What role does the setting of the Philippines play in the production of the film?

The Philippines setting was crucial for *Apocalypse Now* because it allowed Coppola to film in the dense jungles and rivers, enhancing the film’s surreal and nightmarish atmosphere. However, the location also created significant logistical challenges, including a typhoon that destroyed many sets and equipment.

What challenges did the production face during filming?

The production of *Apocalypse Now* faced numerous challenges, including extreme delays, budget overruns, and cast issues. Martin Sheen, who replaced the original lead actor, had a heart attack during filming. Coppola also struggled with his own mental health, threatening suicide, and dealing with the pressures of maintaining the film's ambitious scope.

How does B. Ruby Rich interpret the film’s transition through genres?

B. Ruby Rich suggests that *Apocalypse Now* moves through several genres, starting as a western, with Willard as the lone, stoic figure, and then transitioning into a traditional war film. Rich argues that this genre shift helps underscore the film’s broader themes of American imperialism, heroism, and psychological decay.

What is the significance of the character Kurtz in the film?

Kurtz serves as both the central antagonist and a reflection of Willard's psyche. He represents the potential extreme consequences of war and unchecked power. Kurtz's philosophical musings and eventual death symbolize the internal struggle within Willard, as he confronts his own darker impulses.

How does *Apocalypse Now* depict the absurdity of war?

The film often highlights the absurdity of war through surreal and bizarre moments, such as the USO show with Playboy Playmates and the over-the-top portrayal of Colonel Kilgore, who is obsessed with surfing during a battle. These absurdities underscore the disillusionment and chaos of war, suggesting a disconnection between reality and the military’s approach to conflict.

What psychoanalytic interpretation is suggested for Willard’s journey?

The psychoanalytic interpretation suggests that Willard’s journey is a representation of his internal battle. His encounters with various characters and situations along the river serve as projections of different aspects of his psyche. Kurtz, in this reading, embodies Willard’s potential for moral and psychological collapse, and the final confrontation represents a struggle to confront and destroy these darker parts of himself.

What is the significance of the film’s ending, where Kurtz whispers 'The horror... the horror'?

Kurtz’s final words, 'The horror... the horror,' are often interpreted as a reflection of his recognition of the moral and psychological devastation he has caused and experienced. In a psychoanalytic sense, Kurtz's death symbolizes Willard’s realization of his own potential for darkness and the inherent horror of war and the human psyche.