Original versus Redux (see comments section for my "Redux" DVD review)
I'm a hardcore Apocalypse Now fanatic, and this, the original version of the film, is what made me one, several years ago. Reviewers like to debate endlessly over which version is better, this or the Redux. Personally, I like both, but I find this original version to be more surreal, relentless, and, to quote another reviewer, more "dangerous." The fact is, Coppola used different shots and edits in the Redux, in some cases diluting the surreal impact of the original. Plus the characters Kilgore and Kurtz come off more strongly in the original; sure, we get to see more humanity from Kilgore in the Redux, but his exit in the original is much more memorable, much better than the "tossing megaphone into the air" antics as shown in the Redux. And Kurtz is a more powerful Evil One in the original version, not much more than a shadow.
What gets me is that, in the press releases that came out with Redux, Coppola claimed that he no longer considered the 1979 version of...
More Mesmerizing Than Ever...
This review refers to the Widescreen Collection(Paramount)DVD edition of "Apocalypse Now - Redux"......
In 1979's "Apocalypse Now", Francis Ford Coppola presented us with a mesmerizing, stunning look at the horrors of Viet Nam. It was a film that looked at the hearts and minds of the soldiers and the effects the brutualities had on them. A magnificent work at the time, you wouldn't believe it could be any better. But now, more than 20 years later(and well worth the wait), Coppola has seen his vision completed, with the reediting of the film and the addition of previously deleted scenes, to bring us this gift of the even more mesmerizing "Apocalypse Now Redux".
There is an additional 49 minutes now, and although I don't feel that every minute of it was essential to making this classic film an even better one, there is a new story here that helps us relate to the frame of mind of the soldiers. A scene where the boat crew takes time out for a rendevous with the...
Not complete, but still worth it. 4 1/2 stars
The Film 5/5
There have been countless books, websites, and even a documentary (Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmakers Apocalypse) about this film that it seems almost pointless to write about it. One of the most troubled productions in film history, the film went on to recieve universal acclaim and is now a cinema classic.
For those of you getting into this film for the first time, do not expect your typical vietnam war film. In fact you could argue that the film is not really about the Vietnam War, but is instead about man's descent into "the heart of darkness" if you will. The film follows Captain Benjamin Willard (Martin Sheen)who is given a mission to proceed up river into Cambodia to assassinate a Green Beret Colonel (Marlon Brando) who has gone insane.
That is the basic story of the film. But, it is much more than that. The movie is essential one sureal moment after another. From a helicopter attack done to the tune of Wagner's "Ride of the...
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