Great, but flawed film

Rating: 8/10 (25 December 2001)

Apocalypse Now is a truly stunning film. It is supposed to be a modernization and adaptation of Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness". I can't comment on that aspect as I have never read that novel in it's entirety. I should also point out that the version I've just seen is the Redux version which is Francis Ford Coppola's true vision of the film as he originally intended.
Visually, this film is sumptuous. The cinematography is excellent and the use of camera angles and juxtaposition of images is well-done. The use of lighting is always appropriate for the progress of the film and adds to the atmosphere of the various locales.
I should also comment on the performances. Martin Sheen is terrific. The supporting performances are also terrific. My two complaints about the cast would be that Dennis Hopper plays a very typical role for him and his character seems unnecessary to me. He's good, but it's no stretch for him. Also, Marlon Brando, as the rogue Colonel Kurtz, seems miscast to me. I'm sure the filmmakers jumped at the chance to cast Brando and his performance is very good but I can think of other actors who would have fit a bit better perhaps. It's also disconcerting that he seems to be wearing make-up around his eyes. It looks like mascara. This may have been intended and it's really not important but I found myself repeatedly noticing it.
My main problem with this film is that the message of the film, that war is insane and that participating in war will make YOU insane, is not delivered subtly but with a sledgehammer. The character of Kilgore played by Robert Duvall is not really a character but a caricature. Even his name is an intentional coincidence. In a film like this, you like to find yourself delving into the film but I found myself crashing back to reality too often as several characters behaved not only insanely but unrealistically. No matter how insane a Cavalry Colonel may be, there are certain things he wouldn't do, at least not for long.
This film is also very long, and while I never found it dragging at all, there were scenes that were possibly unnecessary. The entire French plantation sequence could have been dropped although it may have been Coppola's intention to humanize Sheen one final time before the conclusion.
This film has to be appreciated. It was obviously a labor of love for Coppola and it shows. There are many scenes that are awesome in scope and vision. The film is also consistently beautifully shot. Thought provoking and certainly inspiring conversation, this film should be seen by everyone. I give it a solid eight out of ten, possibly even a nine. The only frustrating thing is how close this film comes to true greatness.