Review of Apocalypse Now (1979) by Sidney S — 15 Sep 2012

Astonishing! A triumph. This film is a masterpiece. I was blown away while viewing this horrific depiction of the Vietnam war. Film making legend Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather Trilogy) directs this remarkable, dark and deadly story of the darkest side of one of the most violent wars in history.

The camera work, directing and shot by shot could be one of the best directed films I have ever seen, the way each scene leads into each other, and its smooth style at times showing remarkable and beautiful scenery and dark and gruesome images.

I loved the story because it was also a psychological study. This proves true in Martin Sheen's excellent performance showing the troubles, the horror and effect the war had on his inner psyche. But also pushed him to his mental and physical limits. Robert Duvall is a scene stealer as Colonel Kilgore in the infamous attack scene as well as leading his troops. He shows intensity, and courage as well as true leadership, as well as saying the famous napalm line. However the film completely changes when Sheen reaches his target, to assassinate Col. Kurtz a former soldier turned mad. Kurtz is played brilliantly by the great Marlon Brando in a dark, and sinister performance. Kurtz is psychotic, evil and murderous. From his eyes, to his deliverance of his lines and facial expressions. Truly one of Brando's best performances.

The combat and war scenes were great and top notch from the helicopters to gun fire and explosions. Apocalypse Now is not only a high point in war cinema but remarkably a high point in film history.