A Closer Look at Apocalypse Now

All throughout Apocalypse Now, Francis Ford Coppola uses excellent cinematography techniques, such as camera proximity, camera angles, and color. As Captain Willard is being asked to assassinate Colonel Kurtz "...with extreme prejudice...", Coppola uses great camera proximity as shoots the faces of Willard, General Corman, and Colonel Lucas at a reasonable close - up distance. I noticed that Coppola zooms in on objects as well. For example, when General Corman and Colonel Lucas play back voice of Colonel Kurtz, Coppola zooms in on the "tape recorder." The camera proximity technique adds to the intensity of the film as the audience can read the emotion on the actors faces.

Copolla also uses really good camera angles in this movie. For example, during the ride of the valkyrie scene, I noticed many canted shoots of the soldiers, helicopters, tape player that played the music, etc. These shots add to the excitement of this scene. As U.S. Helicopters are flying over the "hairy" villages near the AirCav, Ride of the Valkyries is playing in the background. Copolla also uses good high angle shots in this movie. Using the same scene, Ride of the Valkyries, Copolla offers the audience good views of the ocean that the U.S. soldiers are flying over. He even gives great shots of the helicopters from an elevated distance. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gz3Cc7wlfkI

Finally, Copolla also displays a very good use of color in this movie. A perfect example of color in this movie, is when Jay "chef" Hicks discovers the white puppy on the Asian trade ship. I strongly believe that Copolla uses color in this movie to imply certain things. For example, I believe that the white puppy meant peace. As soon as Willard ship was attacked and the puppy disappeared, there was no more peace in that situation.

In conclusion, Copolla uses excellent camera proximity, color, and camera angles in this film. He does this to add to the excitement and the intensity of this film.