It took practically two years to make. The leading man, Harvey Keitel was replaced only for his predecessor, Sheen to have a heart-attack, Brando was never happy, Hopper always high, Coppola in trouble with the government and the locals. So it wasn’t the smoothest of rides, but god wasn’t it worth it! There are more books written on the incidents during the making of, then there are about the film. Of course the making of lives in infamy as ‘the hardest film ever made’, but in my opinion ‘Apocalypse Now’ is also ‘the BEST film ever made’. It combines suspense, action, drama, adventure, danger and still leaves you wanting more.

When Jim Morrison’s haunting vocals kick in just as a huge napalm lights up half the screen, you know this movie is just in a different class. The first 5 minutes is my favourite introduction to a character in film history. The fan blades on the ceiling swing around in sync with the sound of helicopters circling above. Martin Sheen is Captain Willard, a quiet, dark and sinister man, he looks as if he carries the darkness on his shoulders. The whole ‘drunk’ scene is fantastic as Sheen really was under the influence and when he really punched the mirror you can see in his face, this is not acting. Based on Joseph Conrad’s ‘Heart of Darkness’ the film takes us on a journey during the Vietnam war; We follow Captain Willard on his mission into Cambodia to assassinate a renegade Green Beret named Kurtz, played with ease by Marlon Brando, who has set himself up as a God among a local tribe.

Willards orders are: “Kill with extreme prejudice and terminate the Colonel’s command” He is sent off down stream with thousands of papers written on Kurtz, Willard is shocked at how good a soldier Kurtz is, or at least was? On his way down through the jungle Willard encounters Tigers, Playboy bunnies, tribes and any number of people caught up in the uncontrollable and horrific situation. In one scene, the boat Willard and his crew are on comes under attack, a young black gunner named Clean, played by 14 year old Laurence Fishburn, is shot, all the time a tape is playing of his mother talking about his home-coming. It is a shocking and deeply disturbing scene showing how most ‘Soldiers’ were actually scared, young cannon fodder.

Willard also meets many interesting characters on his journey like Bill Killgore, played by Coppola favourite Robert Duvall, the crazy 9th Calvary division Lieutenant, who, blasts ‘Lord Of The Valkyries’ whilst coming into attack a small village. He also quotes the movies most famous line – “I love the smell of Napalm in the morning” Another character is simply known as the ‘photo journalist’ played convincingly by Dennis Hopper who tells Willard his philosophy on the War. Straight off the back of ‘Star Wars’, one Harrison Ford makes a brief cameo, the ex-carpenter had already appeared in Coppola’s ‘The Conversation’, playing Colonel G Lucas (possibly a little dig at the bearded jedi maker). Eventually Willard meets up with the ‘mad’ Kurtz in the ultimate showdown. Willards journey is not just down the river in is a journey into himself, as he ultimately recognises an aspect of his own soul in the strange and sinister Kurtz. The whole Brando scene is perfect. The lighting is low so you only occasionally see his face, glimpses of his bald head whilst he talks about making friends with fear and horror. Completely compelling. Can he finish the ‘mission’? Notes and footage taken by Coppola's wife have created the ultimate documentary - "Hearts Of Darkness" - a fascinating and revealing account of the making of this movie. It is a must see for anyone who is interested not just in the film, but film-making. The movie won two Oscars, Cinematography and Sound, both worthy winners as both are vital parts of the experience/journey. Apocalypse Now is the ultimate trip, Coppola created a definitive and gritty portrayal of the Vietnam war, making it my favourite, and the most powerful film of all time. I cannot wait to see ‘Redux’

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