The Chaotic and Near Deadly True Story of Filming Apocalypse Now
Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic film, Apocalypse Now, is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. But the making of this masterpiece was a harrowing and tumultuous experience that pushed the cast and crew to their limits. The film’s production was plagued by logistical nightmares, personal conflicts, and even a near-fatal heart attack suffered by the director himself.
The Journey Begins
In 1976, Francis Ford Coppola, the acclaimed director of The Godfather, set out to adapt Joseph Conrad’s 1899 novella, Heart of Darkness, to the Vietnam War. The film would follow a US Army officer, Captain Willard, on a secret mission to assassinate a renegade American colonel, Walter E. Kurtz, who had gone rogue in Cambodia. Coppola envisioned a visceral and thought-provoking exploration of the psychological effects of war, but little did he know the challenges that lay ahead.
Filming in the Jungle
The production team arrived in the Philippines in March 1976, with plans to film in the dense jungles of Palawan. However, the logistics of transporting equipment, supplies, and personnel to the remote location proved to be a nightmare. The harsh tropical climate, swarms of insects, and lack of infrastructure made every day a struggle. The crew had to build their own roads, bridges, and camps, while dealing with frequent power outages, flooding, and even snake bites.
The Director’s Health
Coppola, known for his perfectionism, was particularly hard on himself during the production. He pushed the crew to work long hours, often exceeding 12 hours a day, and was notorious for his quick temper. On April 22, 1976, Coppola suffered a near-fatal heart attack while filming a scene in the jungle. He was rushed to a hospital in Manila, where he underwent emergency surgery. The production was halted for several weeks, and the director’s health remained a concern for the rest of the shoot.
The Cast’s Struggles
Martin Sheen, who played Captain Willard, struggled with the demands of the role and the harsh environment. He was hospitalized with a severe case of dengue fever and suffered from anxiety and depression. Marlon Brando, who was cast as Kurtz, was notoriously late to set and often absent due to his own personal issues. His weight had ballooned to over 300 pounds, making it difficult for him to film some scenes.
Chaos and Conflict
As the production continued, tensions between the cast and crew reached a boiling point. The director’s temper flared, and he frequently clashed with his stars, including Sheen and Brando. The crew began to feel overwhelmed and underappreciated, leading to a mass exodus of key personnel. Coppola’s brother, Talia Shire, who was a production assistant, quit the film, stating that she couldn’t work in such a toxic environment.
The Final Shoot
After nearly a year of filming, the production finally wrapped in March 1977. The final product was a testament to Coppola’s vision and perseverance, but the making of Apocalypse Now was a grueling and often dangerous experience. The film premiered in August 1979, and although it received mixed reviews initially, it has since become a classic of American cinema.
In the end, the chaotic and near-deadly true story of filming Apocalypse Now serves as a cautionary tale about the high cost of artistic ambition and the importance of prioritizing the well-being of those involved in the creative process. Despite the challenges, Coppola’s masterpiece remains a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend the chaos and uncertainty of life.