Tiger Attack: The CRAZY Story Behind Filming This Scene | Ep13 | Making Apocalypse Now

Summary

This video script delves into the making of 'Apocalypse Now', highlighting the tiger sequence's significance and filming challenges. It explores Francis Ford Coppola's creative process, the film's symbolism, and the surrealistic approach to cinematography by Vittorio Storaro. The script also touches on the production's improvisation and Coppola's unique writing journey, which included filming without a set ending, reflecting the chaotic yet profound experience of creating this cinematic masterpiece.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The script discusses the 'journey into the unconscious' and the filming process of the 'tiger sequence' in 'Apocalypse Now', directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
• 🚤 It describes the beginning of Willard's and the crew's journey up the Nung River, symbolizing the start of their venture into the unknown.
• 🌿 The script highlights the use of marijuana and alcohol among the crew, suggesting a commentary on societal stigmas and double standards.
• 🎭 The reference to Raquel Welch and the mantra 'I'm not really here' is a recurring motif that will be elaborated in a later episode.
• 🦁 The tiger sequence was filmed to reflect the surreal and dangerous nature of the jungle, inspired by Tarzan comics and French painter Henri Rousseau.
• 📜 Coppola's writing process involved incorporating real-life experiences and improvisation during production, even without a set ending.
• 🎨 Cinematographer Vittorio Storaro used color philosophy to represent different stages of the journey, with blue symbolizing intelligence and the heart of darkness.
• 🔊 Sound editor Walter Murch used distant artillery sounds to mimic heartbeats, adding suspense and a subconscious layer to the film.
• 🐯 The actual tiger used in the film, Gambi, caused chaos on set and was later euthanized after killing someone off-set.
• 📝 The Kurtz dossier is a significant element in the film, with a detailed reproduction featured on the Tested YouTube channel.
• 🌐 The episode is sponsored by Mubi, a streaming service for exceptional films, and offers a 30-day free trial for viewers.

Q & A

What does the 'heart of darkness' symbolize in the context of the video script?

In the script, 'heart of darkness' symbolizes both the journey into one's unconscious and the fear of the unknown, as well as the challenges and uncertainties that Francis Ford Coppola faced while filming the story.

What was the significance of the tiger sequence in the film?

The tiger sequence is significant as it represents a moment of intense fear and realization of the dangers and unpredictability of the jungle, reflecting the characters' and the filmmakers' journey into the unknown.

Why was the US Military unwilling to support the production of the film?

The US Military was unwilling to support the production due to certain elements in the script, such as the depiction of soldiers sharing a joint, which was considered controversial at the time.

What was the real-life incident that led to the inclusion of the bandaid under Willard's eye?

Martin Sheen, the actor playing Willard, fell on his rifle and cut himself during one of the takes. Francis Ford Coppola decided to incorporate the real cut and add a bandaid to stay true to the situation.

What was the cinematographer Vittorio Storaro's color philosophy for the film?

Storaro's color philosophy involved using aggressive, non-naturalistic colors to represent different aspects of the journey into the unconscious, with blue representing intelligence and green symbolizing the process of knowing.

How did the sound design in the tiger scene contribute to the suspense?

The sound design used distant artillery sounds that mimicked a heartbeat, operating at a subconscious level to build tension and suspense without the audience consciously recognizing the source of the sound.

What was the real-life challenge faced during the filming of the tiger scene?

The real-life challenge included the transportation of the tiger to the filming location, its behavior on set, and the fear and unpredictability it presented to the crew and actors.

What is the significance of the line 'Never get out of the boat' in the film?

The line 'Never get out of the boat' signifies the idea that one should not venture into dangerous or uncertain situations unless they are fully committed and prepared to face the consequences.

How did Francis Ford Coppola's writing process for the film differ from his usual approach?

Coppola's writing process for the film was unique in that he began filming without a complete script or ending, intending to incorporate the experiences and conditions during production into the final film.

What was the role of the Kurtz dossier in the film and its production?

The Kurtz dossier served as a crucial element in the film's narrative, providing background on Colonel Kurtz's character. Its creation was also a notable aspect of the production, with detailed replicas being made for the film.

How did the production of 'Apocalypse Now' reflect the themes of the film?

The production of 'Apocalypse Now' mirrored the film's themes of journeying into the unknown and facing the 'heart of darkness' through the challenges and improvisations that occurred during filming, including the lack of a complete script at the start.