Trung Phan & Rob Henderson — Apocalypse Now (EP.178)
Sep 7, 2023
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Trung Phan and Rob Henderson discuss the themes of Apocalypse Now, lessons from its troubled production, the role of the Vietnam War in American cinema, fear of social judgment, American Empire perspectives, memory industry in film, pacifism, creative process, and more.
Apocalypse Now delves into the depths of human nature and the thin veneer of civilization.
The film explores the soft power of America and the influence of American perspectives.
The creative process as discussed by Jed McKenna involves being receptive and tapping into something beyond oneself.
Deep dives
Exploring the Confrontation of Shadow and Authenticity
The podcast episode discusses the movie Apocalypse Now, which is based on Conrad's Heart of Darkness. It explores the journey of the main character, Captain Willard, and his confrontation with his own darkness and the darkness of the jungle. The podcast highlights how the movie captures the thin veneer of civilized society and delves into the depths of humanity's capacity for good and evil. It also touches on the creative process behind making the film and how Coppola reshaped himself into a conduit for the movie's creation. The episode offers a multidimensional perspective on the themes of war, hierarchy, and the human psyche.
The Soft Power of America and the Memory Industry
The podcast delves into the soft power of America depicted in Apocalypse Now, where different versions of America are showcased, from brutal killers to cultural icons. It raises questions about the representation of the Vietnamese people in the film and how it is dictated by the US cultural apparatus. The episode also reflects on the memory industry surrounding the Vietnam War and the films made about it, discussing the portrayal of Vietnamese people and the influence of American perspectives. It offers insights into how films shape our understanding of history and culture, emphasizing the impact of soft power on global perceptions.
Jed McKenna and the Creative Process
The podcast introduces the work of Jed McKenna, a spiritual writer who challenges conventional spiritual beliefs. It explores McKenna's essay on the making of Apocalypse Now, which reflects on the creative process and the role of the artist as a conduit for creation. The episode explores McKenna's view that artists are co-creators, tapping into something beyond themselves and opening up to ideas. It highlights the importance of being open and receptive during the creative process, rather than trying to force inspiration. The essay also raises questions about the meaning and usefulness of art, encouraging listeners to focus on the practical application of creativity.
Recognizing the Fragility of Civilization
The podcast episode delves into the idea that civilization is fragile and can quickly crumble in the face of conflicts and challenges. It emphasizes that the concerns of cultural wars and trivial conflicts fade away when people are faced with survival and the reality of what truly matters. The discussion highlights how the darkness and brutality of war can reveal the hidden depths of human nature, including the concept of moral injury, where individuals violate their own conscience and are deeply affected by their actions. The podcast explores the idea that war strips away the veneer of civilization, revealing the true nature of individuals.
The Complexity of Pacifism and the Reality of Violence
The episode delves into the complexities of pacifism and the realities of violence. It discusses how the notion of being a pacifist can be challenged in scenarios where personal safety and the lives of loved ones are at stake. The podcast shares an anecdote about a friend who, after experiencing a traumatic burglary, shifted their perspective and decided to acquire a gun for self-defense. The discussion emphasizes that the realities of violence can shatter idealistic beliefs, and witnessing real violence can differentiate it from fictionalized representations. The episode also touches on the portrayal of war in movies, highlighting the need for a delicate balance between capturing the brutality of war without completely overwhelming the audience.
Our previous episode with Trung & Rob included the bombshell reveal that Rob had never watched Apocalypse Now. Nearly one year later, Rob and Trung make their triumphant return to the show to discuss the themes of the film, the lessons aspiring creators can draw from its troubled production history, the role of the Vietnam War in American cinema, and a whole lot more. Important Links:
