Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now

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Director Francis Ford Coppola’s 1979 film “Apocalypse Now”, addresses the atrocities of war -- expressed by using longshot camera angles, lighting and sound in order to challenge public opinion on the conflict. The use of the long shot in this film is varied and highly descriptive of a subtle message. Often, Coppola uses the long shot to express slow motion or time passing. For instance, during the scene where a conflict occurs at a bridge, Coppola chose to track Captain Willard with the camera for about three seconds. This is used as a portal of sorts, to transport the viewer into the shoes of the Captain as he creeps through the war torn area. For the viewer, this creates a very intense, dramatic feeling. Which, in turn, re-interests a bored or otherwise interested viewer. Considering the extended cut of this film is about three hours long,…show more content…
Intense, deep, and occasionally mournful sound is used to enhance the mood and tone of any given scene. Without the use of this third technique, the films all around interest would be lacking. An outstanding example of this is how Coppola used the sound of helicopter blades. By associating this sound with the impending conflict by repeated use, it cues the audience to re-engage in the movie. Although the tool of sound association is vital, the role of music is perhaps even more so. Coppola demonstrates an extraordinary grasp of this skill during this film. By using high intensity music during fighting or conflict scenes, and slower, more intense music during traveling scenes, Coppola allows the audience to easily distinguish between the type of scene coming up. Clealy, the directior had the audience in mind during this film, which is why specific key parts are added for the sole purpose of helping the audience understand and engage. Sound is one of those key parts and Coppola demonstrated a wonderful understanding of the
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