Apocalypse Now Ending Explained, Cast, Plot, Trailer and more
by Naveenkumar
Updated Jul 27, 2023
Apocalypse Now Movie
Apocalypse Now, a 1979 American epic war film directed and produced by Francis Ford Coppola, presents a gripping story loosely based on Joseph Conrad's novella "Heart of Darkness." The screenplay, co-written by Coppola, John Milius, and Michael Herr, transposes the narrative from 19th-century Congo to the Vietnam War. The film follows Captain Willard, portrayed by Martin Sheen, on a perilous river journey from South Vietnam to Cambodia.
His mission is to assassinate Colonel Kurtz, played by Marlon Brando, a rogue Special Forces officer accused of murder and presumed insane. The ensemble cast includes notable actors such as Robert Duvall, Frederic Forrest, Albert Hall, Sam Bottoms, Laurence Fishburne, and Dennis Hopper.
The idea of adapting "Heart of Darkness" to a Vietnam War setting began with John Milius in the late 1960s. Initially, the film was planned with George Lucas as the director and Coppola as the producer. However, when Lucas became unavailable, Coppola assumed full directorial control, and he drew inspiration from Werner Herzog's "Aguirre, the Wrath of God" (1972) for his approach to the material.
The film's production, initially scheduled for a five-month shoot in the Philippines starting in March 1976, encountered numerous problems, extending the timeline to over a year.
Challenges included severe weather destroying expensive sets, Brando arriving on set overweight and unprepared, and Sheen suffering a breakdown and a near-fatal heart attack during filming. The documentary "Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse" (1991) chronicles many of these difficulties.
Despite its tumultuous production, "Apocalypse Now" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and received the prestigious Palme d'Or, even though it was still unfinished. The film was eventually released on August 15, 1979, by United Artists and performed well at the box office, grossing over $40 million domestically and over $100 million worldwide.
Critical reception was mixed initially, with praise for Vittorio Storaro's cinematography, but some critics found the handling of major themes anticlimactic and intellectually unsatisfying. Nonetheless, it received eight Academy Award nominations, winning for Best Cinematography and Best Sound.
Over the years, "Apocalypse Now" has gained recognition as one of the greatest films in cinematic history. It ranked high in Sight & Sound's greatest films poll in 2012 and 2022, and in 2000, it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the U.S. Library of Congress for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.
Apocalypse Now Ending Explained
"Apocalypse Now," directed by Francis Ford Coppola in 1979, stands as a remarkable cinematic achievement and a defining film of the New Hollywood era in the late '60s and '70s. Inspired by Joseph Conrad's novella "Heart of Darkness," the movie presents a surreal and hallucinatory perspective on the Vietnam War, reflecting themes of colonialism, morality, and the human psyche.
The film's production itself mirrored the chaos and moral ambiguity of the war it depicted. Coppola faced numerous challenges while shooting and editing the film, leading to several revisions and alternate endings over the years. The story follows Captain Benjamin Willard, portrayed by Martin Sheen, a special operations soldier sent on a dangerous mission to find and kill Colonel Walter Kurtz, played by Marlon Brando, who has gone insane.
Willard's journey becomes a metaphorical exploration into the heart of darkness, both in the jungle and within his own psyche. He confronts the brutality and primal instincts of war, leading him to carry out his mission and eventually kill Kurtz. However, the film leaves it uncertain if Willard will ever share the truths he has learned.
Colonel Kurtz, once an outstanding military figure, becomes corrupted by absolute power in the jungle, recognizing the hypocrisy and corruption of imperialistic structures. As he nears death, he contemplates his actions and utters the iconic words, "The horror, the horror."
The film's ending draws heavily from its literary influence, Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness." In both works, the protagonists confront their respective Kurtz figures, who have become tyrannical rulers corrupted by their experiences in the jungle. They share the haunting final words, "The horror, the horror."
"Apocalypse Now" goes beyond being a typical war film, delving into moralistic and philosophical questions. Coppola intended it to be a journey into self, with Captain Willard's internal and external odyssey representing a deeper exploration of the Vietnam War. The film prompts viewers to question their assumptions about war and confront the dark realities of human nature.
Colonel Kurtz's reflections on the horrors of war highlight humanity's capacity for extreme love and death. He welcomes death as a culmination of his self-journey, unable to reconcile the conflicting aspects of human existence.
In conclusion, "Apocalypse Now" remains a cinematic masterpiece, exploring the depths of war and the human psyche, leaving audiences captivated and contemplative.
Apocalypse Now Where to Watch?
If you're interested in experiencing the cinematic masterpiece "Apocalypse Now," you have the convenience of streaming it through Amazon Instant Video. This means you can easily access and watch the film without the need for physical media or a trip to the movie theater. Whether you prefer to rent it for a one-time viewing or purchase it to add to your digital collection, Amazon Instant Video provides a user-friendly platform to enjoy the film at your leisure.
By renting "Apocalypse Now" on Amazon Instant Video, you gain temporary access to the movie, typically for a 24 to 48-hour period. This option is ideal if you want to watch the film once and don't plan on revisiting it in the future. On the other hand, if you're a devoted fan of this classic war film or appreciate Francis Ford Coppola's masterful direction, you may opt to purchase the digital copy.
By doing so, the film becomes a permanent part of your Amazon library, allowing you to watch it anytime and as many times as you wish, without the constraints of a rental period.
With Amazon Instant Video's streaming service, you can enjoy "Apocalypse Now" from the comfort of your own home or on the go, provided you have an internet connection and a compatible device. Whether you prefer to watch it on your television, computer, tablet, or smartphone, the film is readily available at your fingertips.
Embrace the captivating and haunting journey of Captain Willard as he ventures into the heart of darkness during the Vietnam War, encountering the enigmatic and mesmerizing Colonel Kurtz. Stream "Apocalypse Now" on Amazon Instant Video and immerse yourself in the surreal and thought-provoking exploration of war, morality, and the human psyche brought to life by a stellar cast and Francis Ford Coppola's visionary direction.
Apocalypse Now Cast
Marlon Brando
Colonel Walter Kurtz
Robert Duvall
Lieutenant Colonel William "Bill" Kilgore
Martin Sheen
U.S. Army Captain Benjamin Willard
Frederic Forrest
Engineman 3rd Class Jay "Chef" Hicks
Albert Hall
Chief Petty Officer George Phillips
Sam Bottoms
Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Lance B. Johnson
Laurence Fishburne
Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Tyrone "Mr. Clean" Miller
Dennis Hopper
American photojournalist
G. D. Spradlin
Lieutenant General R. Corman
Jerry Ziesmer
Jerry Moore
Harrison Ford
Colonel G. Lucas
Scott Glenn
Captain Richard M. Colby
James Keane
Kilgore's Gunner
Kerry Rossall
Mike from San Diego
Colleen Camp
Playboy Playmate
Cynthia Wood
Playboy Playmate
Linda Beatty
Playboy Playmate
Bill Graham
Agent
Francis Ford Coppola (cameo)
TV news director
R. Lee Ermey (uncredited)
Helicopter pilot
Cast
Character
Apocalypse Now Plot
During the Vietnam War in 1969, U.S. Army Special Forces Colonel Walter E. Kurtz wages a brutal guerrilla war without authorization from his superiors. Captain Benjamin L. Willard, a disillusioned MACV-SOG operative, is tasked with a secret mission to "terminate Kurtz's command... with extreme prejudice."
Accompanied by a Navy river patrol boat (PBR) crewed by Chief Petty Officer Phillips, Lance, "Chef," and "Mr. Clean," Willard embarks on a perilous journey up the Nùng River to reach Kurtz's outpost in Cambodia. Along the way, they encounter Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore, who aids them in their passage. After facing challenges and tragedies, Willard takes charge of the PBR and continues towards their destination.
As they approach Kurtz's outpost, Willard learns about another operative, Captain Richard Colby, who joined Kurtz on a previous mission. Upon reaching the outpost, they find it filled with Montagnards and the remains of victims. Willard meets an American photojournalist who praises Kurtz's brilliance. After encountering Colby, Willard finally comes face-to-face with Kurtz.
Kurtz shares his twisted theories of war and reveals the dark path he has taken. He entrusts Willard with a message for his son before Willard kills him. Willard departs the camp with Lance, leaving behind the worshipful Montagnards.
Heading back down the river, Willard carries Kurtz's writings, reflecting on the haunting journey and the complexities of war left behind
Apocalypse Now Ending Explained - FAQs
Answer: "Apocalypse Now" explores the brutal realities of war and delves into the depths of the human psyche, examining themes of colonialism, morality, and the consequences of absolute power.
Answer: Yes, "Apocalypse Now" had several alternate endings over the years due to director Francis Ford Coppola's challenges during production. The final ending portrays Captain Willard's confrontation with Colonel Kurtz, leading to Kurtz's death.
Answer: Kurtz's last words serve as a reflection of the atrocities and moral corruption he has witnessed and participated in during the Vietnam War. It encapsulates the profound horror and darkness that exists within the human soul.
Answer: The film leaves it uncertain if Willard will ever share the truths he discovered during his journey. The ending suggests that he may carry the weight of his experiences in the jungle and keep them to himself.
Answer: "Apocalypse Now" is loosely based on Conrad's "Heart of Darkness." While both works explore similar themes of human nature, imperialism, and the journey into the unknown, the film transposes the narrative to the Vietnam War, providing a unique and surreal perspective.