Meet the PBR Crew: The Strange Casting Process for 'Apocalypse Now' | Ep8 | Making Apocalypse Now

Summary

This video script delves into the intricate details of the 1969 draft and the final cut of 'Apocalypse Now,' highlighting the casting process, character development, and the unique approach director Francis Ford Coppola took with his actors. It also explores the research behind the Kurtz dossier and the impact of improvisation on the film's narrative, revealing the dedication and vision that went into creating this cinematic masterpiece.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The original 1969 draft by John Milius depicted the crew's introduction on the dock, which was later changed to voice-over on the boat in the final film.
• 🔧 Laurence Fishburne, who played Mr. Clean, was actually 14 years old when hired, falsely claiming to be 18, a fact the production discovered only after filming began in the Philippines.
• 🌟 Fishburne's casting was influenced by his previous work in a TV movie noticed by producer Fred Roos, who remembered him for the role in 'Apocalypse Now'.
• 🎭 Director Francis Ford Coppola sought young-looking actors to authentically portray the young soldiers in the Vietnam War, reflecting the real experiences of those involved.
• 📜 The Kurtz dossier, a collection of documents detailing the backstory of the character Colonel Kurtz, was meticulously created with extensive research by Deborah Fine.
• 👦 The character of Lance, played by Sam Bottoms, was inspired by the California surfing culture and was originally scripted to have a deeper backstory involving a cheerleader, which was later cut.
• 🤔 Coppola's directing philosophy involved having actors build their characters from their own personalities, aiming for a natural portrayal rather than traditional 'acting'.
• 📝 The actors were often given 'Scenes Unknown' pages, showing up without full knowledge of what they would be doing, to encourage spontaneity and improvisation.
• 🔗 The creation of the Kurtz dossier involved detailed research, including tax returns, driver's licenses, and letters, to add authenticity and depth to the character's history.
• 📉 The decision to have the main actors sign seven-year contracts was unusual and reflected Coppola's desire for long-term commitment, possibly as a response to feeling abandoned by actors from his previous successes.
• 💣 The script includes a scene describing an 'Arc Light' operation, a real-life Vietnam War tactic where B-52 bombers dropped conventional munitions, which was intended to be accompanied by a unique sound experience in theaters.

Q & A

What significant change was made to the introduction of the PBR crew in the final film of 'Apocalypse Now'?

In the final film, the introduction of the PBR crew was changed from being on the dock, as written in John Milius' 1969 draft, to being on the boat with voice-over narration.

Who played the role of Mr. Clean in 'Apocalypse Now' and what was unique about his casting?

Laurence Fishburne played the role of Mr. Clean. He was only 14 years old when he was hired, having lied about his age, claiming to be 18.

How did Laurence Fishburne get the part of Mr. Clean in 'Apocalypse Now'?

Fishburne got the part due to a secretary's affirmative response when director Francis Ford Coppola asked if she thought he looked eighteen during a meeting.

What was the reason behind Coppola wanting a very young-looking soldier to play the role of Mr. Clean?

Coppola wanted a very young-looking soldier to depict the real 16 and 17-year-olds who were involved in the Vietnam War, many of whom were too young to understand the conflict.

How did Frederic Forrest come to be cast as Chef in 'Apocalypse Now'?

Forrest had previously appeared in Coppola’s 'The Conversation', and Coppola liked him enough to give him the part without any screen-testing.

What was unique about the contracts signed by the main actors of 'Apocalypse Now'?

All of the main actors were signed to seven-year contracts, which was unusual in the film industry and a reflection of Coppola's unique approach to the film.

What was the role of improvisation in the casting and acting process for 'Apocalypse Now'?

Improvisation was used extensively during the casting process to build rapport among the actors and to create a backstory for their characters. It also helped actors to feel more comfortable and immersed in their roles.

How did the actors in 'Apocalypse Now' contribute to the development of their characters?

The actors were encouraged by Coppola to incorporate their own personalities into their characters, and to build their performances based on their understanding and interpretation of the character.

What was the significance of the Kurtz dossier in 'Apocalypse Now' and how was it used in the film?

The Kurtz dossier was a crucial narrative device that revealed more about the character of Col. Kurtz as the film progressed. It was divided into 'seven seals', with each revealing a different aspect of Kurtz's life and descent into madness.

What was the role of Michael Herr in the development of 'Apocalypse Now'?

Michael Herr, a writer and war correspondent, wrote the narration for the film, replacing the original long monologues. He was known for his memoir 'Dispatches' and later co-wrote 'Full Metal Jacket'.

How did the production of 'Apocalypse Now' reflect Coppola's philosophy on directing actors?

Coppola believed in allowing actors to explore their characters through improvisation and personal interpretation, rather than dictating line readings. He aimed to make the 'part play the person', creating a more authentic performance.