Apocalypse Now was written by NRA board member and registered Republican John Milius. It is based on the novel "Hearts of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad. The movie is about Nihilism and the dark side of man. It has NOTHING to do with Vietnam other than the scenery.
"It has NOTHING to do with Vietnam"
Actually, you are wrong in this regard. Modern day (at the time the movie was being developed) was reflected in the movie in that our military was fighting with one hand behind our backs, and one hand tied in DC. Col. Kurtz reflected what behavior was required to succeed in Vietnam but the US was too weak, or weary, to accomplish it. "If I had ten divisions of those men, our troubles here would be over very quickly. You have to have men who are moral...and at the same time who are able to utilize their primordial instincts to kill without feeling."
But instead in Vietnam, we had the exchange between Willard and the soldier in the trench: "Hey soldier, do you know whose in command here?" Soldier: "Aint you?"
Great lines throughout. My navy buddies and eye used to watch the movie over a few beers, and recite the lines.
Interesting tidbit. But it still has plenty of lefty undertones to it. Coincidence or otherwise.
Agreed, it does highlight the "dark side" of man, but I also view it through the eyes of someone looking at it from the more "exceptional" side of human darkness instead of the far more common side of human darkness, namely blatant everyday variety evil.
I.e., it seems to me that its view is one of "evil" necessarily going hand-in-hand with insanity for example. Clearly that's not necessarily the case. Yet that's Martin Sheen's quest throughout the entire movie, what the Colonel's motivation (or whatever) was. He comes to a conclusion, IMO, that essentially falls far short of any basis in the evil that exists throughout humanity as a result of sin.
An Interview with John Milius is worth the long read if you want...