A psychological journey into the human heart of darkness.

Rating: 10/10 (31 July 2018)

"Apocalypse Now" has been hailed as not only one of the best war films ever made but as one of the greatest films ever created. The mighty status is definitely earned but on an individual level, must be discovered after several careful viewings. It's a film with much depth, substance, and meaning than one can divulge in one viewing. It's a profound piece of cinema that continues to stagger above the rest as a fiction with a lot to say.
Francis Ford Coppola and his incredible team achieved what could be the creative climax of his career. Based on the novella by Joseph Conrad (having read the book I believe inspired might be a more appropriate word), the story follows a U.S. military captain and chronicles his journey up the Vietnam and Cambodia river to find and terminate a rouge Colonel.
Technically, the film, both the theatrical and redux versions both show superior craftsmanship in not only telling a great story but in suggesting feelings and thoughts to the audience through meticulous editing, sound, music, and cinematography. Edited by the great Walter Murch, "Apocalypse Now" is cut together beautifully with tremendously enthralling pacing and tempo. Even with the redux version clocking in at over three hours, the film never feels dull or uninteresting. Each sequence presents something new to think about and ponder and adds to the previous sequence.
Of the few academy awards it won, cinematography contributed highly to the film's overall atmosphere and meaning. Providing nuance and complexity to the characters, this film is shot gorgeously with dreamlike contrast and surreal color. As the story progresses, we see how the filmmakers used the lighting of day to tell the story in the editing room. The beginning of the film reflects a lighter sunrise feel to the picture as the journey begins. Near the end, we gradually see less and move towards the sunset of the story. Until the very climax shot in the dark twilight of night. As the cinematographic aesthetics reflect the gradual change in character through the darkness, so too does the audience take the journey along until they no longer know how they feel or what they think.
Narratively speaking, the story's progression and sequences of events may be off-putting to some viewers. Some have complained that the film's direction is random and confusing which makes it difficult to understand the theme of the piece. I would say it's important to understand that "Apocalypse Now", much like "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad, is allegorical. It's a symbolic and psychological journey into the darkness of the human heart. Each scene does indeed not only become easier to accept over several viewings, but the meaning behind each scene is there.
For any film-lover, "Apocalypse Now" is a must see. Each piece of the film provides a profound commentary on the human condition while also making anti-war statements which have always been relevant. It's a film for those who are ready to surrender and be completely affected by what the film has to say. It may not be for everyone but it sure is an experience that must be felt by everyone. In my opinion, "Apocalypse Now" is indeed one of the greatest films ever made and continues to impress me with each viewing.