Apocalypse Now (1979)

Last updated:
September 23, 2024

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

Apocalypse Now is a war film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, based on Joseph Conrad’s novella Heart of Darkness. The film is set during the Vietnam War and explores themes of madness, the darkness of human nature, and the chaos of war.

Captain Willard’s Mission

The film begins with Captain Benjamin L. Willard (Martin Sheen) in Saigon, struggling with his own demons. Willard is assigned a covert mission by military intelligence officers to travel up the Nung River into Cambodia to find and terminate Colonel Walter E. Kurtz (Marlon Brando), a decorated officer who has gone rogue and is presumed insane.

The Journey Upriver

Willard joins a Navy patrol boat (PBR) crew consisting of Chief Phillips (Albert Hall), Lance B. Johnson (Sam Bottoms), Chef (Frederic Forrest), and Clean (Laurence Fishburne). Their journey upriver is marked by various encounters that highlight the absurdity and horror of the war. They meet Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore (Robert Duvall), a surfing-obsessed officer who leads a helicopter assault on a Vietnamese village to secure a beach for surfing. Kilgore’s famous line, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning,” underscores the surreal nature of the war.

Encounters and Madness

As the crew progresses upriver, they encounter increasingly bizarre and dangerous situations. They visit a chaotic USO show featuring scantily clad Playboy Playmates and a French plantation where the remaining settlers cling to their colonial past. Each encounter chips away at the crew’s sanity and underscores the futility and moral ambiguity of the conflict.

Reaching Kurtz’s Compound

Eventually, they reach Kurtz’s compound, a remote jungle outpost where Kurtz reigns as a demigod among a local tribe and his own army of followers. Willard is captured but treated more as a guest than a prisoner. He spends time with Kurtz, who reveals his philosophical views on war, humanity, and civilization.

The Climax

Kurtz’s monologues reveal his descent into madness and his rejection of conventional military ethics. He espouses a brutal philosophy that embraces the horror of war. In the end, Willard fulfills his mission by killing Kurtz with a machete. Kurtz’s final words, “The horror, the horror,” echo the central theme of the film.

The Conclusion

The film ends ambiguously with Willard leaving the compound. The camera lingers on the jungle and the river, symbolizing the unresolved chaos and moral complexity of war.

Movie Ending

Apocalypse Now concludes with Captain Willard completing his mission to terminate Colonel Kurtz. The ending leaves viewers reflecting on the psychological and moral complexities presented throughout the film.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in Apocalypse Now.

Type of Movie

Apocalypse Now is a war drama that combines elements of psychological thriller and adventure, exploring the themes of madness, the brutality of war, and the darkness within humanity.

Cast

Martin Sheen as Captain Benjamin L. Willard
Marlon Brando as Colonel Walter E. Kurtz
Robert Duvall as Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore
Frederic Forrest as Jay “Chef” Hicks
Albert Hall as Chief Phillips
Sam Bottoms as Lance B. Johnson
Laurence Fishburne as Tyrone “Clean” Miller
Dennis Hopper as a Photojournalist

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score was composed by Carmine Coppola and Francis Ford Coppola. The soundtrack includes memorable pieces like “The End” by The Doors, which enhances the film’s haunting and surreal atmosphere.

Filming Locations

Philippines: The majority of the film was shot in the Philippines, which provided the lush, jungle landscapes needed for the setting.
California: Some scenes, such as interiors, were filmed in California studios.

Awards and Nominations

Apocalypse Now received numerous prestigious awards, including:

Academy Awards: Best Cinematography, Best Sound
Golden Globe Awards: Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Robert Duvall)
Cannes Film Festival: Palme d’Or

Behind the Scenes Insights

The film’s production was notoriously difficult, with a shoot that stretched over 16 months and numerous setbacks, including a typhoon and Martin Sheen suffering a heart attack.
Marlon Brando arrived on set overweight and unprepared, leading to significant improvisation and script changes.
Dennis Hopper’s portrayal of the photojournalist was largely improvised, adding to the film’s chaotic and surreal tone.

Inspirations and References

Apocalypse Now is inspired by Joseph Conrad’s novella Heart of Darkness, transposing the narrative to the Vietnam War. The film also draws on real historical events and the chaotic nature of war.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut of the film closely follows Coppola’s vision, but there are extended versions and alternate cuts available, such as Apocalypse Now Redux, which includes additional scenes and character development.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film is heavily influenced by Heart of Darkness, but it adapts the story to a new setting and context, exploring similar themes of darkness and madness in the backdrop of the Vietnam War.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The helicopter attack on the Vietnamese village to the tune of “Ride of the Valkyries.”
Kilgore’s monologue about the smell of napalm.
The USO show devolving into chaos.
Willard’s encounters with Kurtz in the jungle compound.
Kurtz’s final monologue and death.

Iconic Quotes

“I love the smell of napalm in the morning.” – Lt. Colonel Kilgore
“The horror, the horror.” – Colonel Kurtz
“Charlie don’t surf!” – Lt. Colonel Kilgore

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The use of real military equipment and personnel lent authenticity to the combat scenes.
Kurtz’s compound was designed to reflect his descent into madness, with references to historical and literary figures.

Trivia

The film’s budget ballooned from $12 million to over $30 million due to production delays and difficulties.
Martin Sheen’s opening scene, where he punches a mirror, was not scripted; Sheen was drunk and had a breakdown on set.
The film’s troubled production was documented in the film Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse.

Why Watch?

Apocalypse Now is a seminal film in the war genre, offering a deeply psychological and philosophical exploration of the human condition in extreme circumstances. Its powerful performances, haunting visuals, and unforgettable soundtrack make it a must-watch for any film enthusiast.

Director’s Other Movies

Francis Ford Coppola also directed:

The Godfather (1972)
The Godfather Part II (1974)
The Conversation (1974)
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

Recommended Films for Fans

Apocalypse Now is still a powerful and influential film. It offers a visceral and thought-provoking examination of war and its impact on the human psyche.