Apocalypse Now

1979’s Apocalypse Now – “the horror…the horror.” That sums up the production nightmare that plagued this iconic Vietnam War classic nominated for 8 Oscars.

Principal photography began in the Philippines in the spring of 1976 but didn’t wrap until the summer of 1977. Francis Ford Coppola nearly died, Martin Sheen had a heart attack, driving rain storms destroyed sets, payroll cash was stolen by locals, Marlon Brando showed up grossly overweight, Coppola couldn’t come up with an ending, and oh ya, the script ran about 1,000 pages at one point.

…DID YOU KNOW…

Producer Coppola wanted George Lucas to direct. Lucas was set to direct this movie after completing THX 138 (small world if you read below). However, Lucas went on to direct American Graffiti after THX 138 so the Apocalypse Now film production was delayed. But after American Graffiti Lucas got the green light on his little project called Star Wars – Lucas out, Coppola in.

Steve McQueen was first choice for Capt. Willard. Then Al Pacino. Then Harvey Keital. Film production began with Keital but Coppola wasn’t buying his interpretation of Capt. Willard. Martin Sheen in – one heart attack later this narrative role is a classic.

About the ending, Coppola struggled on this. Debate continues on exactly how many versions were considered. Marlon Brando didn’t help the cause when he showed up bloated – they had to shoot around his massive girth. Brando got paid a whopping $3.5M for about a month’s work.

Note the book “On Golden Brough” on Col. Kurtz’s nightstand near the end. This became the basis for the Apocalypse Now ending – guy heads up river, kills the king and assumes the throne.

Did that water buffalo slaughter seem real? It is.

Best Quote:

“You’re an errand boy sent by grocery clerks to collect a bill.” Col. Kurtz