Apocalypse Now

Apocalypse Now

Year: 1979

Runtime: 153 min

Language: English

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

ActionDramaWar

In the scorching heat of 1970s Vietnam, Captain Willard embarks on a treacherous odyssey upriver to track down Colonel Kurtz, a renegade officer whose descent into madness has become the stuff of legend. As he navigates the treacherous waters, he's joined by a motley crew of outsiders, each with their own demons to confront in the heart of darkness.

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Timeline & Setting – Apocalypse Now (1979)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Apocalypse Now (1979). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Vietnam War

Set during the Vietnam War, a period characterized by conflict and moral ambiguity, the film explores the devastating consequences of war on soldiers and their psyche. It reflects a tumultuous time in history where traditional notions of honor and morality were challenged, creating a backdrop for the exploration of human nature under extreme conditions.

Location

Saigon, Nung River, Cambodian jungle

The movie primarily takes place in Saigon, a chaotic city marked by the turmoil of the Vietnam War. As the story unfolds, the characters journey up the Nung River, cutting through dense Cambodian jungles known for their treacherous terrain. This backdrop serves as a stark reminder of the brutality of war and the psychological impact it has on those involved.

🗺️ Locations 🌿 Jungle 🌊 River

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:03

Main Characters – Apocalypse Now (1979)
Meet the key characters of Apocalypse Now (1979), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Benjamin L. Willard (Martin Sheen)

Willard is a complex protagonist battling his own demons while undertaking a dark mission. A seasoned officer, he navigates the moral ambiguities of his assignment, struggling with the weight of his orders and what they demand of him. His interactions with Kurtz ultimately challenge his understanding of sanity and morality.

🗡️ Soldier 🤔 Conflicted 🎖️ Veteran

Walter E. Kurtz (Marlon Brando)

Kurtz embodies the corrupted and nihilistic nature of war, having descended into madness away from military oversight. Once a revered officer, he becomes a god-like figure within the jungle, commanding a brutal regime as he reflects on the darker aspects of human nature. His character serves as a catalyst for Willard's own philosophical journey.

👁️ Philosopher 🐅 Chaotic 🧟‍♂️ Enigma

George "Chief" Phillips (Albert Hall)

Chief is the steady and pragmatic leader of Willard's boat crew. He seeks to maintain morale amidst the chaos, often serving as a voice of reason against the growing tension and madness surrounding their mission. His leadership is pivotal as they navigate the moral complexities of their situation.

🚤 Crew Leader 🧑‍✈️ Navigator 💪 Steady

Lance Johnson (Sam Bottoms)

Lance is a young crew member who becomes increasingly influenced by drugs and paranoia as the mission unfolds. His character highlights the fragility of youth amidst the horrors of war, experiencing a sharp decline from innocence to chaos as reality and fantasy blur.

🌊 Young 🌿 Fragile 💊 Influenced

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:03

Major Themes – Apocalypse Now (1979)
Explore the central themes of Apocalypse Now (1979), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ War

The film delves deeply into the theme of war, portraying its chaos and moral dilemmas. It highlights the disintegration of sanity as the characters confront the physical and psychological horrors that accompany military conflict. The narrative urges viewers to ponder the true cost of war on humanity.

💀 Death

Death looms heavily throughout the film, manifesting in the violent encounters and moral decisions faced by the characters. It forces them to grapple with the value of life in a war-torn landscape where survival often demands ruthless choices. The theme underscores the pervasive impact of mortality on their journey.

🧠 Psychological Strain

The psychological strain experienced by characters is a focal point in the narrative. As they traverse the harrowing landscapes, their mental states deteriorate under the weight of their mission's moral complexities. The film examines how exposure to trauma can warp perception and influence human behavior.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:03

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