Certain films have gone down in cinematic history as landmark achievements, both for their storytelling prowess and the stories that unfolded behind the scenes. The masterpiece by Francis Ford Coppola, Apocalypse Now, starring Marlon Brando stands out among these.
A new version of the film, Apocalypse Now Final Cut, was released as the director commemorated the 40th anniversary of this cinematic masterpiece. This led to a fresh appreciation for the film’s difficult production process.
Marlon Brando And Martin Sheen’s Triumph Amidst Adversity
In Apocalypse Now, viewers are thrown headfirst into the depths of the Vietnam War’s chaos and madness. The mysterious characters, led by Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen, and Robert Duvall, all contribute to a disturbing portrait of the mental toll of war.
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Coppola’s decision to cast Marlon Brando, a man of mystery, was not without its difficulties. Although Brando had agreed to lose weight for the role, he found it difficult to stick to his diet and exercise regimen as the filming dates approached.
Two weeks into filming, Martin Sheen stepped in for Harvey Keitel as Captain Willard. While filming in the Philippines, Sheen had a heart attack, a dramatic manifestation of the production’s toll on his body and mind.
Sheen, who exemplified the tenacity and commitment that characterized the making of the film, said that he had not “done anything in my life that was so relevant.”
“I have never done anything in my life that was so relevant and so deeply personally changing.”
Before the development of CGI effects, the cast and crew were put in grave danger while filming crucial scenes. Amidst the amazing overhead shots shot with real flares tremendous efforts were put in by the crew to create a convincing environment. Coppola had great pride in keeping his crew safe while shooting these perilous scenes.
The Brutal Slaughter Of A Water Buffalo
The cruel slaughter of a water buffalo is one of the film’s most divisive moments. Shooting this scene while involved in a production deal that involved trading animals for slaughter sparked ethical debates and questioned Coppola’s unwavering principles.
The inclusion of water buffalo created a moral dilemma, as the local communities had been promised chickens and pigs for slaughter. Francis Ford Coppola’s response to this crisis was decisive and instructive.
Considering the film’s ethical standards, he decided against killing the water buffalo on purpose. When offered a backup buffalo, Coppola firmly declined
“That was a big part of their compensation. I did not direct it or anything, that was the way they do it. I’m not going to kill an animal for a movie; I’m not going to kill anything for any reason.”
As Apocalypse Now: Final Cut was released, Coppola’s thoughts on future projects revealed his developing artistic vision. While the subject matter of his masterwork is unsettling, Coppola has expressed great hope for his future works.
Source: USA Today
