Review of Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse (1991) by Christian G — 24 Mar 2013

Hearts of Darkness is a monumental documentary about the making of Apocalypse Now. With this film, we get to see the making of this epic war film, and the chaos it took to create such a monumental cinematic achievement.

With in depth behind the scenes footage, the film gives the viewer the real story about this stunning work, and how hard it was for director Francis Ford Coppola. The film boasts interviews with everyone involved with the project.

I feel that this is among the best documentaries ever made and it is a definite must see for fans of Apocalypse Now. Watching this film you get a sense of the dedication that Coppola had in making this ambitious film.

Hearts of Darkness is an enthralling picture that is brilliant, fascinating and above all intense. This is a journey into a chaotic filmmaking experience that is brilliantly captured. Each person from the actors to the filmmakers gives their insight into the massive project.

Coppola faced some serious obstacles in making Apocalypse Now, he financed the film with his own money, the project extended beyond the original shooting schedule and lead actor Martin Sheen suffered a heart attack on set.

Coppola was faced with great doubt whether he was making a good picture or not. Throughout the shooting schedule, Coppola would go through great risk, almost to the point where his sanity was tested. The end result was not only a great film, but a standout piece of classic cinema.

Hearts of Darkness is a terrific film that really plunges the viewer into the action of what it was like to make this cinematic classic. This is a documentary that is just as good as the film it documents.

Another aspect of the film is that it shows the dedication that Coppola has to his craft, the dedication he has to make something unforgettable to watch. Apocalypse Now payed off for him and Hearts of Darkness is an exploration in how far filmmakers will go to convey his vision on celluloid.