Apocalypse Now Review/Analysis Cinematography in Film Review

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Close up shots are also used in this sequence to depict the soldiers that are flying in the helicopters during the attack. By using close up shots, the camera implies that the soldiers are being seen from the point-of-view of someone that would be flying alongside the men. Additionally, when the beach is being bombed by jets -- during which Lt. Col. Kilgore gives his infamous napalm speech -- the camera tracks the jets, following them as they approach the beach and drop their bombs.

There is also great use of skewed shots during this sequence however, their use may be incidental. Because the cameras that are being used to showcase the soldiers in the helicopters, and to follow the helicopters in motion, are not stationary, the skewed aspects of the shots help to emphasize the action and movements of a helicopter. The skewed shots also help to make the viewer feel as though they were in the helicopters. The dizzying turns and angles in the scenes are captured realistically and help to highlight the chaos of war.

In addition to the various angles and types of shots that are used during this initial invasion, the color scheme of the film helps to establish a sense of realism. The cinematography does not set out to capture the events that occur through documentary style camera work, but rather intends to portray the events as though they were being seen in person.

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The colors in the film are intended to remain natural and neutral and be reflective of the environment in which the action takes place. There is an abundance of dark, jungle green in the film which only gets darker as Willard makes his way deeper into the jungle. The brightness of the day in this initial sequence also establishes it as an event that takes place towards the beginning of the film. As the film progressively gets darker in symbolism, action, imagery, and plot as Willard makes his way towards Kurtz, so does the cinematography and editing of the film.

In Apocalypse Now the cinematography helps to drive the film's plot, transforming as the film progresses and emphasizing the devolution of order and civility towards the end of the film. Through the use of cameras that were placed on helicopters, Apocalypse Now allows the viewer to see the action that is taking place as though they were experiencing it firsthand themselves. Moreover, the use of wide angle shots to capture widespread bombings helps to establish the fact that attacks were not self-contained but rather intended to take out large amounts of plant life and whole villages. The camerawork in the film helps to provide a first person point-of-view without making the film feel as though it were a documentary.

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