“Hearts of Darkness” Documentary Review
Paragraph #1:
Begin with the title of the film, the name of the filmmaker(s) and the point of the film. Remember, the point of the film is not a summary of the film, but rather the theme or message it explores. What is the structure of the film (chronological, non-sequential, etc.). Is this structure effective in conveying the point of the film?
The title of the film is Hearts of Darkness; the Filmmaker of the documentary is Eleanor Coppola. The structure of the film shows the project of Apocalypse Now in order from the picking of the cast, and auditions all the way to the front door of the Oscars and Francis accepting his Oscar with his co-producers. I think that this was the best way to portray the making of Apocalypse Now because it showed really how much Francis went through to produce and keep this project afloat. I think that this way it really showed the general public that it had it’s Disney ending, but during the filming it was actually hell.
Paragraph #2
What type of documentary was it (expository, observational, etc)? Whose perspective(s) is/are transmitted in the documentary? What conventions did the film include that led you to this conclusion? Please provide specific examples.
This type of documentary is an observational film type because it is seen through the eyes of Eleanor Coppola and how she observes the issues that are surrounding her. The perspectives of the cast are transmitted in the documentary, as well as the director of Apocalypse Now, Francis Coppola. But of course the main perspective shown in the documentary is the view that Eleanor Coppola had about her husband and the production he was struggling with. I think the fact that Eleanor was talking over the visual aspects of the film, and stating that Francis was very depressed and not sure of how to handle this huge situation. An example of this is when she is filming him in his study office, and he’s on the typewriter making tons of changes every minute to the script and how he can improve it.
Paragraph #3
From your perspective, what were the strengths of the film? What did you enjoy about it? Choose one or two scenes and describe why you found them effective, interesting or thought-provoking.
I thought that the strengths of the film were the references that Eleanor Coppola made with the citizens of the Philippines and their rituals, and the making of the documentary and the Vietnam War as well. I thought it was very enjoyable and a very good job of filmmaking. I feel that the scene with the Cattle at the end of the movie with the killing of the cow, and the killing of Marlon Brando’s character.
Paragraph #4
What were weaknesses in the film? What would you have changed or improved upon? Choose one or two scenes and describe why they may have been lacking or unnecessary. Write a concluding sentence or two.
I feel the weaknesses in the film were the fact that it took so long to get it up and running and the fact of the confused cast. As well as the fact that it was more one sided on Coppola than with all the cast members, even though some cast members were shown in interviews. I thought that it was very well done and I cannot think of anything I would add or improve on. I feel that the scene with the parties show that Coppola was celebrating the 100 and 200 days in the filming, and I thought that they weren’t that necessary except for the fact that it was so delayed.
I feel that this documentary was very well made, and showed how patience and tranquility perspired to making a great film. And as well this documentary showed that in the filming business you can’t ever give up and back down on something that looks like it could fail.
