The night scenes as the boat arrives at the Do Lung bridge are wonderful examples of low-key lighting. Illumination goes from almost pitch black to bright white as flares and explosions go off through out the scene. This lighting scenario adds greatly to the depth of the story as Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) struggles to determine what is going on and who is in command at the bridge. Everything is in chaos and the extreme lighting compliments the emotions of the story at that time. Do Lung bridge scene on YouTube
Another great example of low-key lighting is during Willard's scenes with Col. Kurtz (Marlon Brando). These scenes use almost no fill light. At first Kurtz's face is in complete darkness accept for a back light that illuminates the back of his shaved head. When Kurtz's face is finally revealed to Willard, only the left half is lit up. No fill is used and not even an eye light for the eye on Kurtz's right side. People have said that these were the demands of Brando or Coppola to hide Brando's weight, but whatever the case was, Storaro created a lighting scenario that is difficult to achieve, looks beautiful, and accentuated the mystery and sinister nature of Kurtz and his jungle home of madness.
Another great cinematography choice is used during the scene when the boat is attacked by natives and the boat Chief is killed by a spear. The camera is static on Willard and the Chief as he is dying and highlights the spear sticking out of his chest, but the back ground is spinning showing that since the Chief is dead no one is in control of the boat as it spins uselessly in circles. This image heightens the sense of chaos from the story. Boat Attack scene on YouTube
These are just a few of the examples of what makes Apocalypse Now a cinematography masterpiece. When these cinematography elements are combined with the sound design, editing, acting, directing and themes of war, power, insanity, and humanity you get a movie that is difficult to forget and will continue to be talked about as a cinema masterpiece and legend.
