MovieChat Forums > Apocalypse Now (1979) Discussion > Overrated?

Overrated?

posted 8 years ago by bennoinkohsamui
9 replies | jump to latest

I just saw the film for the first time and the opening scene with Martin Sheen in the bedroom I thought was promising. But I think that was the only part of the film that made me think this was worthy of an Oscar. I can understand all the hype about this film back in the day way before CGI came along. The logistics and the scale of the film set were all real. But that's all I could possibly like about it. It was too long and wasn't engaging enough to keep me awake. This couldn't possibly get any nominations by today's standards.

[–] pjl69 8 years ago

If you saw Redux, give it another try with the original 1979 version. Its much tighter and better, IMHO.

[–] BrngDChessboxin 8 years ago

I disagree. This movie still blows most modern movies out of the water. To me this movie is a 10/10.

[–] The_Khazi 8 years ago

The scenes with the dolly birds in the helicopter and later at the French plantation are tedious in the extreme.As to the original theatrical cut, I`ve always admired the vivid imagery,cinematography,the cleverness of the opening scene-whirling helicopter blades and Doors soundtrack which have become almost synonymous with the conflict.Ride of The Valkyries is still one of the best action sequences ever filmed and Robert Duvall is more memorable in his 11 minutes of screen time than Brando`s self-indulgent, mumbled, anti-climactic appearance.The theatrical cut is superior because it cuts out a lot of "baggage" but the film ,like the Deer Hunter,has many memorable moments interspersed with tedium.A classic?no.Overrated:probably.

[–] Squeeth2 8 years ago

I think that both versions are near masterpeices.

Marlon, Claudia & Dimby the cats 1989-2010. Clio the cat, July 1997 - 1 May 2016.

[–] DBloodnok 8 years ago

Fantastic peaks

"Someone has been tampering with Hank's memories."

[–] 8 years ago

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[–] kmags84 8 years ago

I used to feel like that about Brando in this, but that was on 1st-2nd Viewing. Over time he's become one of the main reasons I rewatch this over and over. His Screen Presence is outstanding. He's believable and intriguing until the last moment.

[–] ErgonomicSpliff 8 years ago

This couldn't possibly get any nominations by today's standards.

Today's "standards" are pretty awful. That being said, in comparison with today's mainstream "Oscar-worthy" pictures, "Apocalypse Now" plays more like an indy film than a hollywood blockbuster.

The quality of "Apocalypse Now" is unquestionable, no matter what you put it up against. It is a transcendent film and bears the standard for Vietnam War pictures. It's just that good.

[–] franzkabuki 8 years ago

Yes. These illustrious "today's standards".

"facts are stupid things" Ronald Reagan