In the opening scene of Apocalypse Now, the mise en scene brought to attention includes a contrast of nature and society (cutting back and forth between the shots of the Vietnam jungle and the clean room of Willard respectively). There are visual representations of a kind of “hell” as the fire consumes the trees in Vietnam. The most interesting imagery though is the use of the ceiling fan blades as the helicopter blades as Willard stares up at the ceiling from his bedroom, symbolizing the haunting memories of the gliding helicopters in Vietnam. The cinematography includes interesting lap dissolves of Willard’s face over the images of the Vietnam jungle burning and helicopters. It's a really interesting dynamic and certainly sets the tone for the dreamlike aesthetic that the rest of the film carries.
Additionally, I'm on the side that would argue that the film gets better throughout, as it builds on itself on a psychological level, getting more intense throughout, even if it's subtle.
I agree with you completely about the ceiling fan, I also found that to be the most interesting imagery of all.
ReplyDeleteI too agree with the ceailing fan scene. It gives the audience the first idea that he has PTSD. Soldiers with PTSD usually remember things from the war when they hear something that reminds them of it. A big bang can scare them into thinking they're back in the war zone. When I first saw this scene, it really made me realize that he may problems from distinguishing reality from the past. At least that's what I got. Thus I knew he may suffer from PTSD. Just that one scene said a lot itself.
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