Apocalypse Now: 10 Mistakes You Missed In The Movie
Willard’s Camouflaged Make-Up
In the climactic scene of the film, Captain Willard seizes the opportunity to execute his mission. Sneaking into Kurtz’s chamber amidst the chaos of the Montagnards slaughtering a water buffalo, Willard confronts and kills Kurtz with a machete, then retrieves his writings.
However, a noticeable discrepancy occurs in Willard’s appearance. When he is initially shown entering the water before the attack, his face lacks camouflage makeup. Yet, moments later, as he emerges from the water, his face is suddenly adorned with camouflage makeup.
Incorrect NATO Alphabet
Despite being regarded as one of the finest military films ever made, Apocalypse Now occasionally misrepresents certain aspects of the military world. This is evident in a scene where Willard listens to transmissions related to Kurtz.
During one of these transmissions, sectors are identified using the NATO alphabet, with “Peter” and “King” representing “P” and “K” respectively. However, it’s worth noting that the NATO alphabet underwent a change in 1956, prior to the events depicted in the movie, replacing “Peter” and “King” with “Papa” and “Kilo.” This standardization of the NATO alphabet has remained consistent since its revision in 1956.
Kilgore’s Hat
Despite his relatively brief presence in the expansive narrative, Lieutenant Colonel Kilgore remains one of the most captivating characters in the film. Oscillating between the portrayal of a shrewd military tactician with a degree of admiration for his adversaries and that of a war enthusiast verging on insanity, Kilgore commands attention whenever he appears on screen.
One distinguishing feature of Kilgore’s appearance is his distinctive headgear, which serves to further accentuate his persona. Initially, the hat prominently displays an insignia denoting his rank, adding to his imposing presence. However, in subsequent scenes, the insignia inexplicably disappears, subtly altering his visual representation.
Audio-Visual Synchronization When Willard Gets Briefed
During the initial stages of the film, Captain Benjamin L. Willard is summoned to the I Field Force headquarters in Nha Trang by two military commanders and a CIA agent. Here, he receives a briefing regarding the rogue colonel known as Kurtz and is assigned the mission to eliminate him, thus putting an end to his erratic leadership.
However, an intriguing discrepancy arises during this pivotal scene. While the high-ranking officers discuss Kurtz throughout the briefing, their lip movements indicate they are mouthing a different name, “Lieghley.” This anomaly stems from the original script, where Kurtz was initially named “Lieghley.”
Additionally, when Willard is presented with a photograph of Kurtz, the name tag clearly displays “Lieghley,” contradicting the character’s established identity as Kurtz. Such a notable error in a film renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship, like Apocalypse Now, is indeed surprising.
Surfboards On The Helicopter
Adding to Kilgore’s eccentric persona is his passion for surfing, a characteristic that stands out even amidst the turmoil of battle. Kilgore eagerly seeks opportunities to ride the waves alongside his comrades.
This unconventional trait injects a surreal quality into his scenes, notably captured in a shot where surfboards are visibly secured to the side of Kilgore’s helicopter. However, upon subsequent viewing of the helicopter, the surfboards have been replaced by standard missile barrels, showcasing the unexpected juxtaposition of leisure and warfare in Kilgore’s world.
Kilgore’s First Scene Is Problematic
The first encounter between Colonel Kilgore and Captain Willard presents both visual and factual inconsistencies. As Kilgore disembarks from the chopper, he sports sunglasses, revealing a reflection that exposes a boom mic and a member of the film crew.
Furthermore, a salute exchange between Willard and Kilgore occurs, a practice uncommon in real combat scenarios. Typically, soldiers are cautioned against saluting in combat zones to avoid revealing the commanding officer’s identity to potential enemy snipers. This deviation from reality is exemplified in films like Forrest Gump, where Lt. Dan advises against saluting even within the base.
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