Review of Apocalypse Now (1979) by Buddy K — 05 May 2012

Francis Ford Coppola's Vietnam war film/ adaptation of "Heart of Darkness" stands as a visual masterpiece and should be held along side the director's earlier "The Godfather" and "The Godfather Part II" as a testament to his mastery of the form.

The story is a long and twisty one elevated by the performances of the cast (small but powerful turns by Marlon Brando and Robert Duvall are particularly memorable) and the film's chaotic, violent, psychedelic imagery.

At times "Apocalypse" plays better as an exploration of the darker side of human nature than a realistic chronicle of war and indeed other films, including "Platoon" and "Saving Private Ryan", have better captured the realities of the combat experience but when it comes to distilling the general madness of war and making war look like hell "Apocalypse Now" is second to none.