Why Harvey Keitel was Fired from Apocalypse Now | Ep6 | Making Apocalypse Now

Summary

The script delves into the tumultuous production history of 'Apocalypse Now,' highlighting the casting challenges of Captain Willard. Initially, Steve McQueen was considered but passed due to health concerns. After Harvey Keitel was cast and then replaced by Martin Sheen, the film faced further obstacles, including disagreements with the Pentagon over the script's portrayal of the military. Director Francis Ford Coppola's determination to recast and reshoot despite setbacks reflects the film's troubled yet iconic journey.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The casting process for 'Apocalypse Now' was fraught with difficulties, with several top choices, including Steve McQueen and Al Pacino, declining the role of Captain Willard.
• 💡 Francis Ford Coppola's decision to recast the lead role was influenced by his desire for an audience to identify with the passive character of Willard, which he felt Harvey Keitel could not deliver.
• 🌴 Steve McQueen's departure from consideration for the role was not due to creative differences but personal reasons, including a reluctance to spend extended time in the jungle and undisclosed health issues.
• 🔄 The production faced challenges with securing military support and equipment, with the Pentagon objecting to certain script elements and ultimately not providing assistance.
• 👨‍👦‍👦 Al Pacino's previous health issues during the filming of 'The Godfather Part II' influenced his decision to turn down the role, despite his admiration for the script.
• 🗑️ Coppola's frustration with the casting and production led him to a dramatic act of throwing his Oscars out of a window, symbolizing his desperation and dissatisfaction.
• 🤔 Martin Sheen's casting as Willard was a last resort after other big names declined, and his acceptance of the role led to a quick reshoot of the scenes initially filmed with Keitel.
• 📜 The script underwent changes during the production, with Coppola shifting the narrative to present a more critical view of the war and the actions of the American military.
• 🎭 Harvey Keitel's performance in the final film is limited to a single shot on the boat, despite his significant involvement during the initial phase of production.
• 🚫 The Pentagon's refusal to support the film was due to its portrayal of the military, including the controversial plot point of an American officer ordering the assassination of another.
• 📚 The episode's Companion PDF offers additional insights, including an argument for Keitel's suitability for the role of Willard and technical details on the film's production.

The video is abnormal, and we are working hard to fix it.
Please replace the link and try again.