Apocalypse Now by
Francis Ford Coppola is arguably one of the best epic war films of all time.
Viewing this masterpiece showing the utter madness of war, one can clearly see
why this film has won 19 awards and nominated for 30. As the PBR crew moves up
the Nung River the story gets darker and each of the characters begin to go mad
in their own ways. Each character experiences there own mental breakdown at
some point in the movie. The acting of the PBR crew, like Martin Sheen is so
good you actually feel that these men are experiencing the trauma that war
leaves on the mind. In Willard’s case (Martin Sheen) in the beginning of the
movie even states he always thinks he is going to wake up in the jungle. He
even cuts his hand while punching a mirror, he was going mad. Martin Sheen was
actually bleeding in that scene which shows the intensity of the movie. Watching
these men travel from an open river into the heart of darkness is where Kurtz
compound is what makes this movie so powerful. The fear of the unknown lerks
behind every corner as the boat rolls up the river. In my opinion, the final
scene of Apocalypse Now is possible
one of the best in movie history. The villagers of Kurtz ceremonially slaughter
a water buffalo as Willard simultaneously kills Kurtz and his last words are
“the horror, the horror”. This is all happening with “The End” by the Doors
playing in the background, which brings a chill up the viewer’s spine. Also,
the sacrificial water buffalo slaughtering was an actual event in real life,
which is crazy. The stabbing is
only seen in dark silhouette, which is another way darkness is shown. Overall, Apocalypse Now is one of the best films
of all time and does an impeccable job of showing the maddening effect of war
and the darkness that comes along with it.
I like how you analyzed the soldiers' journey up the river into the heart of darkness to find Colonel Kurtz. The Vietnam war was arbitrary, these soldiers just followed orders given to them even though they had doubts about their missions. It sucked that they didn't get to ask questions. Even when they did ask questions, they were either shut down or given vague answers. I agree that the horrific scenes depicting death of civilians, soldiers, and animals were affective in showing the effects on war and death on people's psyche.
ReplyDeleteAbout the movie itself, I like it and its messages. However, I think the movie is a little bit lengthy. I think it could have been done in half of the time. It's not easy to watch that movie in one sitting.
Dylan, this is an inspiring post. You are able to depict the darkness and fear that is Apocalypse Now very well. I also like how you were able to identify the Doors song "The End". Jim Morrison, always the poet is a great speaker to put along with the movie and it fits the scenes perfectly. In the End the lyrics say "And all the children are insane". "The killer awoke before dawn, he put his boots on". These are really reflective of the movie and how darkness can bring about insanity and doom.
ReplyDelete