Posted on 01/19/2020 11:34:55 PM PST by nickcarraway
Back in March 1977 American film director, producer and screenwriter Francis Coppola wrote to John Lennon proposing that the pair work together on a film.
Coppola, who at the time was living in a volcano in the Philippines while making the now iconic and epic war film Apocalypse Now, had proposed the idea to Lennon about contributing to the score of the film.
The picture, which eventually went on to win ‘Best Sound’ at the 52nd Academy Awards thanks to the work of Walter Murch, Mark Berger, Richard Beggs, and Nathan Boxer, could have added Lennon’s name to the list had the former Beatle had a little more spare time.
Dennis Hopper, playing the role of a photojournalist, once describing working on the set as “hell on earth,” and added that he “felt like I had fought in the war,” after it had finished. According to many reports, multiple actors and crew members battled alcoholism, heavy drug binges and tropical diseases. So it may come as little surprise that Lennon passed on the opportunity to be involved.
On top of all that, the tropical weather caused havoc. Typhoon Olga destroyed the set May 26, 1976, and production was closed down. According to Dean Tavoularis, it “started raining harder and harder until finally, it was literally white outside, and all the trees were bent at forty-five degrees.”
Undeterred by the repeated setbacks Coppola, who said he would “love to cook dinner” for Lennon and “just talk, listen to music and talk about movies” hinted at the pair working together.
His letter, dated March 24th, 1977, read:
“Dear John,
“We’ve never met but, of course, I’ve always enjoyed your work.
“I am presently in the Philippines making “APOCALYPSE NOW”. I’ve been here eight months, expect to be here another several months. I live inside a volcano, which is a jungle paradise, where there are beautiful mineral springs; and thought of ever you were in the Far East or if ever you would enjoy spending a little time talking about things in general and some distant future projects that I have in mind, please, I would love to cook dinner for you and just talk, listen to music and talk about movies.
“If coming to the Far East is difficult, then someday in the future, either in Los Angeles, San Francisco or New York, I would like to meet you.
“Sincerely, “Francis Coppola.”
Despite his best efforts, Lennon unfortunately, declined the offer. However, new correspondence surfaced citing a reply from Lennon to Coppola. It would seem that Coppola’s invitation to dinner was accepted by the Beatle and it is hinted that the pair discussed working on a new book having seen the Apocalypse Now project completed.
Whether or not they arranged to meet up in Coppola’s volcano remains to be seen, I’d like to think they did.
Here’s Lennon’s reply to Coppola:
“Dear Frank,
Having given a lot more thought to this idea, I realise that due to my work schedule I really don’t have the time for such a big new project.
“I love the book but it would take to much energy etc.
“Best wishes to you, it was nice meeting you
Love, John Lennon”
See the letters, below.
Francis Ford Coppola:
The letter Francis Ford Coppola sent to John Lennon asking him to contribute 'Apocalypse Now' John Lennon:
The letter Francis Ford Coppola sent to John Lennon asking him to contribute 'Apocalypse Now'
Lennon was in the midst of his “house husband” days in 1977. Sean was only a year and a half old at the time. John wasn’t doing much professionally. My guess is that he just didn’t feel like messing with it.
Seriously, WTF?
Additionally WHO TF CARES”
WTF is this?
Coppola made the correct choice with The Doors. Can you imagine (no pun intended) Yoko Ono screeching “Sunday, bloody Sunday” during the opening? I would have walked out.
Well since you asked.....
So Coppola’s a flamer?
I believe, personally, that Apocalypse Now is one of the finest movies ever made. If you have not seen the full version please give it a shot...
I have always thought the Doors were silly but, really, no film is perfect. Is Apocalypse Now “better” than The Deer Hunter? That is the question!
I once wrote long essays on these films.
Charlie Don’t Surf,
Golux
I have always like “Apocalypse Now” as silly entertainment, viewing its connection to war-based reality in much the same way that I view “Top Gun” in relationship to fighter pilots or Naval aviation.
It is disconcerting to realize that for some segment of society, they view “Apocalypse Now” as a documentary.
Interesting, I liked “The Deer Hunter” for everything but the Vietnam scenes. I liked the portrayal of the hardscrabble late Sixties and early Seventies of Pennsylvania.
And that one segment with Robert Duvall, one of my favorite actors, made the entire “Apocalypse Now” worthwhile.
Heh, “Charlie Don’t Surf” indeed!
FTA: either in Los Angeles, San Francisco or New York
Why not Topeka, Kansas?
I never liked that movie. Actually going to Vietnam gives you a different view of things. I much prefer Hamburger Hill.
With one of the finest American actors ever.
Curious article on Francis Ford Coppola trying to get John Lennon to collaborate with him on “Apocalypse Now.” I think Lennon was right to pass. The soundtrack, which is top notch, might’ve been totally different with Lennon (and probably not for the better at that point in time). As another post alluded to, we might’ve gotten Yoko screaming “songs”, which would’ve given us all nightmares.
Yoko is beautiful.
Have you listened to her rendition of Una Paloma Blanca ?
Yoko and Buckwheat would be a great duett album.
I have.
It was like shaving with a cheese grater: Slightly amusing, but mostly painful.
“Yoko screaming “songs”, which would’ve given us all nightmares.”
As if that movie wasn’t nightmarish enough! :-)
After the Beatles broke up, Lennon’s music went downhill.
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