APOCALYPSE NOW (1979)

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

Cinematographer: Vittorio Storaro, ASC, AIC

Kurtz Scene

Helicopter Assault Scene

TECHNICAL SPECS

Camera: Arriflex 35 BL, Technovision Anamorphic
Format: 35mm, 2.35:1
Lenses: Technovision Anamorphic
Film Stock: Kodak 5247 (100T)
Key Innovation: Color symbolism as narrative device

STORARO'S APPROACH

Philosophy: "Writing with light" - light as metaphor
Signature: Color symbolism and dramatic lighting
Innovation: Color progression to track character journey
Style: Painterly compositions with symbolic lighting

LIGHTING SETUP

Jungle Scenes: Filtered sunlight through smoke and fog
Kurtz Compound: Low-key lighting with strong shadows
Helicopter Attack: Natural light with smoke effects
Boat Scenes: Colored gels (amber, red, green) for psychological effect

VISUAL STRATEGY

Color progression from yellow to orange to red to green to blue
Smoke and atmospheric effects for diffusion
Contrast between natural light and artificial sources
Silhouettes and shadows as visual motifs

RECREATION NOTES

Use colored gels to create psychological color progression
Employ smoke and atmospheric effects for diffusion
Create strong contrast between light and shadow
Utilize silhouettes against colored backgrounds
Implement low-angle lighting for dramatic effect