Cinematically Real or Cinematic Flaw? A Review of 'Apocalypse Now'

As a Vietnam War veteran, my perspective on Apocalypse Now is unique and, ultimately, quite critical. Apocalypse Now is undoubtedly a powerful and engaging movie, but one that also has its share of conflicts and inconsistencies.

Cinematically Powerful but Unrealistic

Apocalypse Now was directed by the renowned David Cimino, and while the film is a visual and emotional masterpiece, it does not always align with the harsh realities of the Vietnam War. For instance, the portrayal of Charlie from the perspective of John Wayne is unrealistic. In the film, Charlie, the main character, escapes beautifully from a situation in a manner reminiscent of the legendary John Wayne adventures. However, as a veteran of the Vietnam War, I can attest that such escapes were not common.

The Viet-Cong, despite their treacherous and cunning nature, were nimble and resourceful. They would incapacitate their prisoners before binding them, and they would never expose their weapons or be so easily overpowered. In this context, the portrayal of Di Niro's character as so obviously capable is an exaggeration. The war was merciless, and prisoners were seldom left unconstrained or in such a state of unrestrained potential.

Narrative Inconsistencies

One of the most striking inconsistencies in the film is the abrupt and almost jarring narrative jumps. The story cuts from a scene with the main characters in a bar in Pennsylvania to a bloody battlefield in South Vietnam. The viewer is left with unanswered questions about what transpired between these two locations. Furthermore, the plotline feels incomplete without these transitions, which, in my opinion, are crucial to the overall storyline and character development.

Another glaring inconsistency is the age discrepancies in Di Niro's character, Captain Willard. In one scene, he is shown with twenty years' worth of medals on his sleeve, suggesting he has been in the service for nearly two decades. However, the timeline of the film, which is set primarily in the late 1960s, means that this would be highly unlikely. Military service records would be an easy reference point for any veteran.

Technical Flaws and Editing Issues

The film also suffers from some editing issues that draw attention more to the seams rather than the story. For example, in one scene, a full glass of beer is placed in front of a character, who then continues to speak mid-conversation. In a subsequent cut, the glass is suddenly gone, as if the beer vanished into thin air. This kind of editing error, while it may seem trivial to some, indicates that Cimino lacked the meticulous attention and discipline required to produce a polished and coherent film. Such lapses are not common in the works of directors like Alfred Hitchcock, who impeccable attention to detail is legendary.

Conclusion

In summary, while Apocalypse Now is a monumental film in the realm of cinema, it is not without its shortcomings and inconsistencies. As a Vietnam War veteran, I find myself constantly reassessing the depiction of the war and the characters based on my own experiences. The film is a powerful piece of art, but one that is better admired for its cinematic quality rather than its historical accuracy or narrative completeness.

For fans of the Vietnam War and the film itself, Apocalypse Now is a must-watch. However, it is essential to approach the film with a critical eye, recognizing its strengths while also being aware of its flaws. The film's enduring power and importance lie in its ability to evoke a sense of history and place, even if some of its events and characters are not entirely faithful to reality.