Apocalypse Now opening

Cinematography ( use of camera angle, movement and framing ,lighting and colour )

Editing ( transitions, order of shots and sequences, layering of images)

Mise-en-scene ( setting ,key props/objects , costume etc.)

Sound  ( music, sound effects and spoken word)

Performance  ( body language, posture, gesture,  tone, emotional impact etc.)

 The opening scene of AN opens a very complex and metaphorical introduction to the main character Captain Marlow (CM) played by Martin Sheen. We are instantly captured by the still frame of tropical trees swaying in the distance in complete silence with the beating sound of the helicopter propeller repeating in the background sounding almost extraterrestrial. Yellow thick smoke arrises from the bottom of the frame, maybe almost symbolising how nature was destroyed by human presence as they invaded. The only voice to be herds Jim Morrisons "The End" reflecting the mental state of CM himself. The camera then slowly pans across the unexpected explosion filling the entire frame filled with destruction, completely obliterating nature with human ignorance. I do feel that the horrors of war was almost glamorised through the aesthetics of the huge explosions. The frame fills up with thick black smoke and the deafening helicopter can be seen to pass along the frame as it fades alongside CM's sweat dripping face with his eyes penetrating the shot. He is introduces upside down showing the twisted tale but also the trauma and PTSD he has already faced.

There is constant layering of images, highlighting the chaos and maybe even flashbacks to a previous missions he's been on but also foreshadowing what's to come. The fan spins alongside CM, mimicking the helicopter propeller but also the overworking thoughts.


His drunken violent breakdown is shot in his rough dimmed room as he stands half naked throwing his arms around. The music in the background becomes more intense as he finds himself in a state and wreck of anger

The audience is almost being prepared and warned as to the mayhem and horror they are to expect throughout the movie




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