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Audiences who saw Apocalypse Now when it came out in 1979, did not see a scene in which the patrol boat crew arrives at a Medevac area, which has been decimated by a typhoon. This scene would be one of the toughest to shoot and would blur fiction and reality–I mean, the production design was pretty much done by a real typhoon.
And all this for a scene that would be cut from the theatrical release, put back in for the Redux version, and end up being the only sequence from the Redux version that does not appear in the Final Cut. We’ll explore the crazy story of filming this scene and see if we can figure out exactly why Coppola feels it doesn’t deserve to stay in the movie on this episode of Making Apocalypse Now.
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This video is by Tyler Knudsen.
Affiliate Links:
(Coppola) Notes on the Making of Apocalypse Now by Eleanor Coppola: https://amzn.to/3K9B9XH
(Cowie) The Apocalypse Now Book by Peter Cowie: https://amzn.to/3Zh8rZp
(Travers) Coppola’s Monster Film: The Making of Apocalypse Now by Steven Travers: https://amzn.to/3ZybjS1
(Commentary) Apocalypse Now: The Final Cut: https://amzn.to/3npMry6
(Playboy)The Playboy Interviews: The Directors: https://amzn.to/40Ez8IO
(Martin) New Waves in Cinema by Sean Martin: https://amzn.to/3FSCdge
Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse: https://amzn.to/40CnoGB
(Phillips) Godfather: The Intimate Francis Ford Coppola By Gene D. Phillips: https://amzn.to/3lCPlzj
Sources:
[Cinephilia & Beyond] Incredible collection of resources on Apocalypse Now: https://bit.ly/35Mvv7M
(Zeismer) Ready when you are, Mr. Coppola, Mr. Spielberg, Mr. Crowe by Jerry Zeismer – https://amzn.to/3lFsmUh
(Neon) Neon Magazine – https://bit.ly/2BBR5Ol
Music:
Epidemic Sound
source
Never knew there was a version without this scene
I watched Apocolypse Now tripping acid when it came out in the theater. All that and a box of popcorn! Very heavy shit. Joined the Navy later that year. Good times.
It was cut because the Redux version was total garbage and the editor of the cinema release was a genius.
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" " W E . . . The Impossible . . .
– . . . made . . . possible .
An E P I C Movie that was
almost rendered nonexistant .
– A M A Z I N G ! ! !
The Rare Earth
H Y P O T H E S I S .
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Yo… this is a great documentary. Never knew any of this, but one of my favorite movies.
👏 good job
The fuel for sex really happens in many war situations.
Should have seen Iraq during war from 2003-2011
I thought Walter in The Big Lebowski was just based on John Milius but damn they have the same voice! Would love him to say "You're out of your element, Francis"
I have to admire the Italians. It's flooding everywhere, drinking water is potentially contaminated, entire villages are in ruins and they're sitting down to have espresso. Well, never get between an Italian and his favorite cup of espresso!
Another superb presentation on the movie. Graduate level analysis of the film making process.
Though, helicopters run on jet fuel not diesel which the fuel tank traded is clearly marked.
While I can understand how some people may find this scene dirty, I felt it added depth. Of all the reprehensible things the characters do, sleeping with a couple playboy bunnies is very tame imo. I mean with the impending threat of death at every corner is it wrong for a soldier to want some poon-tang?
Killing it bro
It's interesting to me that Francis always wanted more than he needed , even in each scene.The rain on the helicopter glass could have been metaphor enough.
they also cut the opium scene in the normal part. so sad
Hollywood's ad nauseum — demoralilzation op — selling of the RED China handover make way – – Viet — NON – – War – –
do – – NOT – – be taken in – –
Man some of this sounds like being in a war in Vietnam would be easier!
I prefer the original release,not the redux or final cut.Willard joking around with the boat crew stealing Kurtz surf board did not seem convincing,better he remains distant as in the original.
Even Saturday Night Live had a skit about how long it was taking to make the movie. And no ending yet.
Redux version is my favorite, love long movies and extra lore/story
"a literal typhoon" books were raining from the sky!
Once again, Tyler, thanks for the great work! This is yet another great documentary in your APOCALYPSE NOW series.
Tyler, have you considered doing a series on LAWRENCE OF ARABIA? THERE WILL BE BLOOD is my 2nd-favorite film, and APOCALYPSE is in my Top 10…but LAWRENCE is my all-time favorite film and there is so much interesting stuff that could be discussed considering the production (cinematography, score, actors, history the film is depicting, Lean's directing, etc.). Anyway, keep up the great work! 🙂
It took you 19 minutes to explain this scene and the background to it. I'll explain it in 19 seconds… It was a completely unnecessary scene that added NOTHING to the film in the way of character depth or storyline. Usually, when a scene is deleted, there is a very good reason, and often times it's nothing too deep. This is one of those cases.
That we were ever able to watch this movie is amazing.
Yea mate , It was too long , so they had to cut it .. simple.
Your first comment is incorrect, apparently you've never seen Apocalypse Now Redux. If anyone would like to hear what REALLY happened, watch the Redux version and listen to Coppola's commentary.
For the scene with Chef and the Playboy Bunny, I don't think it's that she's okay with it or used to it – though both are valid reads given her profession. I believe that she, like Chef, is just "Not there."
She spends so much of the time talking about her job and interests, playing with the birds, that she's almost oblivious to playing dress up with Chef. Like she's somewhere else in her mind.
Where are you from that you can't properly pronounce Subic Bay and other area places of the region?
While I am in the camp that likes the Redux cut of the Film, this is one scene that I feel did not need putting back in.
I felt the scene worked perfectly in the film , was handled brilliantly, and just added more context. It also showed there was more to Willard than monologuing to himself and showed he gave a crap for his crew. Not like the girls had a bad time,right? The atrocious weather and cramped quarters added to the surreal nature of the journey which was otherwise pretty much the same day after day.. If anything its that annoying plantation scene thats out of place.
Can’t wait to read the books you’ve referenced here
I really recommend to anyone interested the Cinema Cartography video on Apocalypse Now also
n1
The French Plantation scene is a useless addition, making the movie too long. This scene is much cooler.