The Layman's Review: Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse

Welcome to the Layman's Review, where we give you a simple overview and a rating of some of history's most famous films. We're here to entertain you with facts and trivia, and to help you decide if any of these films are worth your time and interest. For a full list of movies on review, check out my previous post 'The Very Sciency Science Behind Film Choices'. 

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Film: Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse

Directors: Fax Bahr and George Hickenlooper

Documentary Footage By: Eleanor Coppola 

Year: 1991

Running Time: 96 minutes

Big Names

             Francis Ford Coppola - Himself

             Eleanor Coppola - Herself

             Orson Welles - Himself (voiceover)

             John Milius - Himself

             George Lucas - Himself

             Martin Sheen - Himself

Plot Summary

This 1991 documentary by Fax Bahr and George Hickenlooper gives their audience an inside look into the production of ‘Apocalypse Now’. One of Hollywood’s best-known films, both for its influence and its infamy, ‘Apocalypse Now’ is an extraordinary case of not one adventure, but two; rarely does the fictional story mask a true tale that is tantamount in its level of carnality, callousness and strength. One need only peruse the list of trivia facts for ‘Apocalypse Now’ (read my abbreviated list here or see the full IMDB list here) to know that there was more going on beneath the surface than what we were shown on the silver screen.  

Top Quotes

“There were too many of us, we had access to too much equipment, too much money, and little by little, we went insane.”

             - Francis Ford Coppola

“Studio executives, you know, are not noted for their social courage.”

             - John Milius 

“My movie is not about Vietnam. My movie is Vietnam.”

             - Francis Ford Coppola

“The film Francis is making is a metaphor for a journey into self…It’s scary to watch someone you love go into the center of himself and confront his fears: fear of failure, fear of death, fear of going insane. You have to fail a little, die a little, go insane a little, to come out the other side.”

             - Eleanor Coppola

Fun Trivia

• Eleanor Coppola remained by her husband’s side for the entire 16-month shoot of ‘Apocalypse Now’, despite going over schedule by an astounding 14.5 months. All of the documentary footage was shot by Eleanor, meaning that ‘Hearts of Darkness’ would not have been made possible without her contribution. 
• It is refreshing for many of us to delve into the background of this twisted classic, and even more refreshing to finally acknowledge Eleanor Coppola’s essential role in its production. The movie itself depicts no female actors, save for the local tribeswomen and a few scantily-clad USO girls. 

• The documentary debuted in 1991, but Coppola prevented its release onto DVD until 2007.

• Marlon Brando was reportedly paid $3.5 million for his role as Colonel Walter Kurtz, but refused to be interviewed for the documentary. Brando claims that Coppola still owed him $2 million for his work in ‘Apocalypse Now’. 

Ratings:

Jessica’s Rating: 4 Martini Glasses

Although I would happily go the rest of my life without seeing Francis Ford Coppola shirtless, it is a worthwhile sacrifice for the sake of watching this documentary. Bahr and Hickenlooper did a phenomenal job weaving together film footage and Eleanor Coppola’s personal shots, integrating interviews with cast and crew members to illustrate the true story behind ‘Apocalypse Now’. A must-see for any Coppola and/or ‘Apocalypse Now’ fan. 

Jeni’s Rating: Additional review pending until the end of ski season. Please feel free to blame France. 

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