4. Little by Little, We Went Insane | Do We Get to Win This Time?
Aug 16, 2023
50:47
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The podcast explores the arduous production and impact of 'Apocalypse Now' on American culture. It delves into the challenges faced by Francis Ford Coppola, the chaotic production process, and the mixed reviews received by the film. It also discusses the challenges of making the war movie 'Go Tell the Spartans' and the emotional toll experienced by Coppola.
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Quick takeaways
Apocalypse Now, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, was a monumental task that resulted in a visually stunning and powerful film that became a cinematic masterpiece.
Apocalypse Now had a significant impact on both audiences and filmmakers, becoming a touchstone for cinematic depictions of war and inspiring countless filmmakers in the way the Vietnam War is represented in popular culture.
Deep dives
The Making of Apocalypse Now
Apocalypse Now, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, was a monumental task that took years to make. The film was inspired by Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness and followed a military man named Captain Willard tasked with hunting down a rogue colonel in Vietnam. Coppola faced numerous challenges during production, including firing actors, borrowing helicopters, and facing delays due to bad weather. The long and difficult process took a toll on Coppola, but ultimately resulted in a visually stunning and powerful film that became a cinematic masterpiece.
The Impact of Apocalypse Now
Apocalypse Now had a significant impact on both audiences and filmmakers. The film's powerful imagery and memorable scenes, such as the helicopter assault and confrontation with Colonel Kurtz, have become iconic representations of the Vietnam War. Apocalypse Now was praised for its cinematography and sound design, winning OSCARs in these categories. It received mixed reviews initially, but over time, it has gained recognition as a groundbreaking and thought-provoking film that continues to captivate viewers.
Apocalypse Now as a Controversial Vietnam War Film
Apocalypse Now remains a controversial film due to its portrayals of war and its impact on Vietnamese culture. Some critics argue that while the film criticizes American imperialism and racism, it also perpetuates stereotypes and silences Vietnamese voices. The complexity of the film lies in its ability to be both a work of art and at the same time, perpetuate problematic representations of the war and its aftermath.
The Enduring Legacy of Apocalypse Now
Apocalypse Now has left a lasting cultural legacy. It continues to be studied in film classes and remains a touchstone for cinematic depictions of war. The film's impact extended beyond the screen, inspiring countless filmmakers and influencing the way the Vietnam War is represented in popular culture. While the controversy surrounding Apocalypse Now persists, its influence and enduring popularity cannot be denied.
‘Apocalypse Now’ closes out the 1970s with the most ambitious Vietnam movie yet: a big-budget spectacle that will bring moviegoers closer than ever to the madness of war—and nearly push director Francis Ford Coppola over the edge.
Other films we talk about in this episode include ‘Who’ll Stop the Rain’ (1978), ‘The Boys in Company C’ (1978), ‘Go Tell the Spartans’ (1978), and ‘Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse’ (1991).
Host: Brian Raftery
Producers: Devon Manze, Mike Wargon, Amanda Dobbins, and Vikram Patel
Sound Design: Bobby Wagner
Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville
All interviews for this series were conducted before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023.