Apocalypse Now

Originally published on social media on June 8th, 2023

I’ve known of this movie for years, and NEVER thought I would watch it for two reasons. 1). I thought it would be really dark due to some of the imagery I’ve seen from it 2). It is loosely based on a novel I had to read in high school called “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad…which I hated despite its deep and fascinating symbolisms and concepts.

So, what compelled me to watch this now? Colonialism. Colonialism is an incredibly dark thing that has built nations off of the systematic destroying of lives and lands. Much of colonialism can be paired with genocide, and has dark, violent, and horrifically racist motives outside of just a strong power grab. Knowing what I do now, I had to reconsider this story with a mature perspective.

Honestly, I think the majority of adult audiences need to see t film. Rather than being based in Africa like Conrad’s novel, this takes place during the Vietnam War. The narrative is powerful, and Francis Ford Coppola and his cast deliver startling truths and raise important questions. This film challenges any perspectives that paint America as a hero during this war.

There is a scene where American armies play Wagner loudly in order to further intimidate the Vietnamese they are mercilessly attacking. They do this to intimidate the Vietnamese but also to amuse themselves. It’s disgusting, heartbreaking, and will raise hairs on your arms.

I hated the last quarter of the film. I can appreciate Martin Sheen’s choices, but detest Marlon Brando’s character. His whole colony/cult made me really uncomfortable and upset my spirit. The live animal sacrifice was awful, but I recognize the necessity of it to the story.

I read some articles about how this film and Conrad’s book compare and contrast. Ultimately, they both “expose the atrocities of imperial powers against native people,” and “examine the dehumanizing effect of colonialism on colonizers.” I can’t take credit for that analysis, but it does summarize why I think everyone needs to be aware of what happens in this film. Every adult should read the plot synopsis, but use extreme caution when deciding whether or not to watch this.