Apocalypse Now is a film that is often misunderstood. War vets with whom I've discussed this film say that it is unrealistic. Historians will claim that it is an inaccurate depiction of the Vietnam War. They are correct in both cases. Inspired by the Joseph Conrad novel Heart of Darkness, the film is actually a surrealistic metaphor about the nature of evil and the corruption of the human spirit. Apocalypse Now is a dream film that I liken in many ways to The Wizard of Oz. In both films the main characters are on a journey to reconnect to their inner selves. They meet unusual characters along the way and have strange adventures.
If you don't like movies that depict war and violence then you might be put off by this film. Keep in mind though that this film is essentially a dream, a nightmare. There are memorable scenes in the film that will stay with you long after you've seen this film. For greater insight about the making of Apocalypse Now you might also enjoy watching the documentary Hearts of Darkness which describes the ordeals that the cast and crew went through.
Have you seen Apocalypse Now? Do you see it as being more of a fantasy than a realistic war film? Are you familiar with Conrad's Heart of Darkness?
Have you seen Apocalypse Now? Do you see it as being more of a fantasy than a realistic war film? Are you familiar with Conrad's Heart of Darkness?
i have seen bits and pieces of it but I find it just way too graphic and a subject that I have zero interest in.
ReplyDeleteI love that comparison to The Wizard of Oz. I know everyone seems to only remember the beach scene and the famous line, but the movie is deep and well written. Not typical from a war movie.
ReplyDeleteNope, never seen it - don't plan to! I hate war movies, and honestly anything violent - says the girl who writes murder mysteries. Yeah, I make sense! LOL
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen it, but I should. Your comments make it even more intriguing to me, because I thought it was another war movie in the company of The Deer Hunter (which I have seen).
ReplyDeleteJoJo -- It's not a film for everyone.
ReplyDeleteSydney -- I agree about the writing and the depth. The bridge/LSD trip scene stands out for me.
Yolanda -- You're missing a great film!
Tamara -- I think The Deer Hunter is also an excellent film but with a very different approach than Apocalypse Now. I like the surrealism.
Lee
I thought it was really weird when I first saw it. in subsequent viewings, definitely liked it better. The comparison to the Wizard of Oz is interesting.
ReplyDeleteSince it's a journey movie where a group of characters are on a quest to find a mysterious person--the Wizard and Kurtz--I think they're very similar. In both the characters encounter very strange situations along there journeys.
ReplyDeleteLee
I've never seen this movie. I just watched the trailer and it only confirmed why I've never seen it! I'm not a great war movie fan, but your description of it makes it sound a lot more interesting. I though it was your typical, but talking about it as a dream movie, a finding your way back to yourself movie, that makes it more attractive to me.
ReplyDelete