Apocalypse Now

[coppernorks]

2300: BBC2: Sat.

As Coppola is incapable of leaving the classic 1979 cut alone and releasing inferior lengthened
versions, I wouldn't mind but he always leaves the deranged Hopper's scenes in.

Which movie has the BBC bought ?

[biggbn]

I actually think the cinematic release is better than redux which is even more disjointed than the 'original' . One of my top five films though.

[Halmyre]

coppernorks said:

2300: BBC2: Sat.

As Coppola is incapable of leaving the classic 1979 cut alone and releasing inferior lengthened
versions, I wouldn't mind but he always leaves the deranged Hopper's scenes in.

Which movie has the BBC bought ?

Last time I saw it on the Beeb a few months ago it was the redux version I think.

[TTmonkey]

biggbn said:

I actually think the cinematic release is better than redux which is even more disjointed than the 'original' . One of my top five films though.

Some great scenes in an overall ‘crap’ film.... is how I see it.

[heisthegaffer]

Massively disappointing film I thought when I watched it years and years ago. Maybe I need to re-watch it?

[sandman77]

Saigon, st, I'm still only in Saigon.
Charlie don’t surf
Ride of the valkyries
I love the smell of napalm in the morning

^^^^^^ other than that, I think it’s a boring movie whatever version you are watching.

[P-Jay]

heisthegaffer said:

Massively disappointing film I thought when I watched it years and years ago. Maybe I need to re-watch it?

I think it's a fantastic film about the absurdity of War in general and especially the Vietnam war and the how it can make people go insane. It's honest about conscripts in War who don't want to be there and who's main focus is staying alive and out of trouble Vs the professional career solders and serial killers with an excuse.

I think half the problem is that the most famous scene, the Helicopter attack taken in isolation on a YT clip makes it look more like a 'merica fk yeah pro-war, action film. The scene itself, once you get past the music and helicopters is meant to show an indiscriminate attack on a fishing village and school to kill about half a dozen VC, Civilians (possibly Children) and US Solders are killed all because Kilgore wants to Surf with a Famous Surfer. It's supposed to be repulsive, but I think it's become a 'cool' scene.

The Redux version is just for the hardcore fans, I watched it once, as far as I could tell it was another 20 mins long to show a bit more of a backstory on the Playboy girls and a bit more about the French war. Could be wrong.

[Halmyre]

P-Jay said:

heisthegaffer said:

Massively disappointing film I thought when I watched it years and years ago. Maybe I need to re-watch it?

I think it's a fantastic film about the absurdity of War in general and especially the Vietnam war and the how it can make people go insane. It's honest about conscripts in War who don't want to be there and who's main focus is staying alive and out of trouble Vs the professional career solders and serial killers with an excuse.

I think half the problem is that the most famous scene, the Helicopter attack taken in isolation on a YT clip makes it look more like a 'merica fk yeah pro-war, action film. The scene itself, once you get past the music and helicopters is meant to show an indiscriminate attack on a fishing village and school to kill about half a dozen VC, Civilians (possibly Children) and US Solders are killed all because Kilgore wants to Surf with a Famous Surfer. It's supposed to be repulsive, but I think it's become a 'cool' scene.

The Redux version is just for the hardcore fans, I watched it once, as far as I could tell it was another 20 mins long to show a bit more of a backstory on the Playboy girls and a bit more about the French war. Could be wrong.

Redux also has a silly subplot where Willard and the boat crew steal Kilgore's surfboard, and he flies after them pleading for its return. It's an odd moment of comic relief that doesn't fit well with the film's tone.

[vixen1700]

It's up there in my top three films, love it, but I can imagine why it doesn't appeal to some.

Saw the Redux version at a West End cinema when it came out, and it was just mesmerising. Total silence when the lights came up to a shell-shocked full cinema, awesome film.

[joshleb]

It's on iPlayer for another 27 days.

I've never seen it, guess I should give it a go?

[vixen1700]

joshleb said:

I've never seen it, guess I should give it a go?

Absolutely.

[entropy]

Halmyre said:

Redux also has a silly subplot where Willard and the boat crew steal Kilgore's surfboard, and he flies after them pleading for its return. It's an odd moment of comic relief that doesn't fit well with the film's tone.

BBC showed The Final Cut - edit of Redux.

I really like Redux. It's a bit like comparing original Blade Runner to the Director's Cut.

Willard doesn't like the ship's crew but goes out of his way to appease them shows he has some humanity and descent to darkness; narration in BR makes Deckard more human.

The extra scene with the PB Bunnies probably wasn't really needed though it does show the beginnings of Lance 'going native'.

[Cotty]

Just checked my DVD and I have the redux version. Great film but at nearly three hours long it a bit of a bum numer.

[LeadFarmer]

I went to the cinema a couple of years ago to see an anniversary edition of this film. Bugger me, it felt like the longest film ever in the world.

There was a particular scene where the main character goes into a family's house for a meal and stays there for a while. It seemed to last for hours. I've never seen a version with that scene before.

[Short Grain]

Had never seen the full film, always managed to miss the first 20 mins or so. Not the most enjoyable film but still slightly 'must watch'

[Eric Mc]

Any similarity between this film and the actual Vietnam War is purely coincidental.

[LeadFarmer]

Short Grain said:

Not the most enjoyable film but still slightly 'must watch'

Agreed. Apart from a few brilliant scenes involving the choppers, surfing etc, the majority of the film is a little boring. But I think it remains a classic for those scenes alone.

Charlie don't surf...

[heisthegaffer]

Maybe I'll give it another go if it's on iplayer.

[Levin]

LeadFarmer said:

I went to the cinema a couple of years ago to see an anniversary edition of this film. Bugger me, it felt like the longest film ever in the world.

There was a particular scene where the main character goes into a family's house for a meal and stays there for a while. It seemed to last for hours. I've never seen a version with that scene before.

If it was in 2019, that'll be the 'Final Cut' version. It's 20 minutes shorter than the 'Redux' cut, which has the best odds of being the one you watched. From memory, the whole scene with Willard having a meal is basically exposition about the French war in Indochina, and Willard smoking opium.

Oddly enough I don't much care for Apocalypse Now. When it comes to Vietnam War films, my favourite has to be Full Metal Jacket. Hands down.

[anonymous-user]

i never enjoyed watching it found it, too long and boring.