War films majorly use muted colors, yet one cannot possibly ignore how vividly they explore different emotions in their various shades. From cynicism to romanticism to patriotism to spiritualism, to “you name it,” war films have covered it all. But few have done it like Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now (1979). The film features an ensemble cast that includes stalwarts such as Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen, Harrison Ford, and Dennis Hopper, playing standout characters that each represent a unique perspective on war and its impact. Among the most memorable characters is Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore (Robert Duvall), who, despite his limited screen time, has left a lasting impression on the viewers. In this article, we’re examining how the iconic one-liner, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning,” by Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore, is problematic, despite its enduring legacy. The Story Coppola's Apocalypse Now follows Captain Benjamin L. Willard (Martin Sheen) as he sets out to kill a renegade Special Forces Colonel, Colonel Walter E. Kurtz, a man also suffering from a form of god complex. Through Williard’s quest for Kurtz, he comes across various people as his aids, who are also actively involved in the ongoing Vietnam War. Each encounter of Willard is a poignant reflection of how war impacts, influences, and is perceived by different minds. The Scene It is a war zone. Dust and the smell of gunpowder have taken over. Kilgore is on the field, leading the troop. He orders a full-fledged napalm strike on...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Today