'Terminate the Colonel's Command' | Apocalypse Now

General Corman (G.D. Spradlin) and Colonel Lucas (Harrison Ford) assign Captain Benjamin L. Willard (Martin Sheen) his mission -- to proceed up the Nung river and terminate Colonel Kurtz's (Marlon Brando) command with extreme prejudice.
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[@skeena59]

“Everyone gets everything he wants. I wanted a mission, and for my sins, they gave me one. Brought it up to me like room service. It was a real choice mission, and when it was over, I never wanted another.” Incredible writing.

[@daveyboy_]

What are the charges .

[@Redskies453]

@@daveyboy_ Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal?

[@yanikem6655]

Used as lyrics on Iron Maiden’s ‘The Edge Of Darkness’.

[@daveyboy_]

@@Redskies453 you lost me ?

[@deafears4025]

Milus

[@americanexile]

Jerry Ziesmer had ONE line -- and it is now a permanent part of movie history and popular culture. I'd say he nailed it! "Terminate ... with extreme prejudice."

[@ckmoore101]

Is that really the first time that line was used? I was wondering the source of that great line. Its baked into world consciousness now.

[@gorsching]

@@ckmoore101 I'm curious too

[@GK1976A]

@@ckmoore101 According to Douglas Valentine in his book The Phoenix Program (1990), the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) routinely used the term during the Vietnam War when firing its locally hired operatives. In cases of extreme misconduct, an assassination ("termination with extreme prejudice") was ordered.

[@klepszekk8119]

He is by far the most intimidating guy in this room. Precisely because he is so understated. He sits there in civilian clothes looking normal, but never says a word while everyone else speaks uncomfortably around him, suggesting that he has some authority. Then finally he gets the line that punctuates the whole conversation. Brilliant way to present a mysterious, scary character.

[@michaelyoung7603]

With a slight Smirk to boot.

[@northislandguy]

The Generals acting is so good in this part, the way he describes the colonel it’s like he’s talking about his best mate going nuts

[@zachhoward9099]

I'm pretty sure they were probably friends, you can hear pain and regret when he speaks of Kurtz as a good man, hell dependent upon their careers they could've both met each other as young officers and became friends or became friends in the Korean War, you can see if you pause during one of the dossiers that Kurtz also served in Korea.

[@skeena59]

@northislandguy a couple of West Pointers no doubt!

[@biggiouschinnus7489]

At 1:08 you can literally see it on his face. That expression contains so much grief, despair and horror. That's the face of a man who has seen his hero become a monster.

[@DAREALFARMZ]

US military friends are in the same age/ commission cohort. No universe where a 3 star is friends with a colonel. ​@@zachhoward9099

[@bconni2]

all the acting in the room is good. they ramped up the tension level for sure

[@thebookwasbetter3650]

I read the book The Greatest Beer Run Ever about a guy who goes to Vietnam just to bring his buddies on the front line some beers. He said one of the reasons he was able to hitch rides with helicopters and APC crews was because he was dressed in civilian clothes and all the officers assumed he was CIA and didn't question him when he said he needed a ride.

[@Zodroo_Tint]

Well, it was the war of the CIA, they killed the president for it, it was theirs. The us military was just the delivery boy.

[@bobbyologun1517]

thats how doug valentine wrote his tell all about the cia. they just assumed he was a gman and even let him tape their conversations! by the time they figured it out he had already published the phoenix programme LOL

[@LoneLee2022]

Makes Sense.

[@alexbowman7582]

Maybe he was CIA.

[@glennevitt5250]

And This Going On Today 😣sad

[@germpore]

Harrison Ford and Jerry Ziesmer doing an absolute master class on just what you can do with very small parts.

[@maulrat588]

Ford is entirely way way way too young to have the rank he has, that's one detail that was not attended to. There are no 21 year old Colonels.

[@akula444]

story is Ford had just arrived on set, was jet lagged and felt underprepared, wanted to shoot his scenes the next day... and exactly why Coppola shoot them that same day ;)

[@rolandmiller5456]

@@akula444 Supposedly he was also sick as well.

[@LoneLee2022]

Brilliant movie. Changed my life.

[@speak_your_truth.]

@@LoneLee2022 Really? How so?

[@kreemkrackered3755]

I love the way he just looks over at Harrison Ford as if to say “Ok lay it on him” - great acting

[@valmarsiglia]

Yeah, he could see clearly that Willard was just being a yes-man at that point. I also like the look of near panic on Ford's face when the general goes into his spiel, as though he's thinking "Oh no, he's about to start philosophizing again."

[@sudoku1966]

@@valmarsiglia That may be true. But the one officer just did not want to issue the order himself; that's the reason for all of the apparent beating around the bush, or as you mentioned "philosophizing".

[@LordTalax]

@@valmarsiglia If by being a "yes man" you mean obeying orders while being the military, then I guess so.

[@valmarsiglia]

@@LordTalax Yeah, not quite what I meant, but thanks for playing.

[@cashewnuttel9054]

I've never seen this movie, so please do kindly explain to me how this colonel is a threat?

[@robdixson196]

The CIA guy just sits there with the psychopath stare, while the Army officers stumble awkwardly around their rationales, and talk around what they are really trying to say. i love the detail of how he offers a cigarette only AFTER he says in 4 words what the others have been stumbling around trying not to say for 3 minutes.

[@zakiowais6829]

Oh I didn't realize he wasn't part of the army. Should've paid more attention to his uniform lol

[@Elizabitchk17]

Upper level CIA are usually complete sociopaths and psychopaths, they just are able to follow orders, that’s what separates them from the complete lunatics.

[@TheeRogerWayne]

He’s not stumbling at all. They are justifying why they need to kill Kurtz. He was a greatly respected man, and now they have to accept the fact he’s become an evil tyrant. And they have to to convince Willard of this as well, to assassinate someone so revered. So no, you’re not just gonna come out and say, let’s do this. You say, look, this is what’s been going on, this is where we’re at, and we don’t really want to do this, but we have to.. and btw, this is your job, so go do it. The camera hangs on the officer as he explains darkness, it doesn’t bounce around to confused expressions like a comedy where people are bumbling idiots. Also it’s not their position to tell him to kill Kurtz. They don’t have the authorization, the plainclothes guy does. But the contrast between them is nice.

[@DaSkonk]

@zakiowais6829 He wasn't wearing a uniform - THAT'S the whole point.

[@craigdaniels712]

for all intents and purposes he is not there.. nor is he listed in the character credits in the video description..

[@paranormalskeptic3893]

One of the greatest films ever made. The fact that Sheen wasn’t nominated for an Academy Award, is completely insane, one of the greatest acting jobs ever. But truly, an iconic movie. Have watched it many times.

[@Conman2413]

I agree with you, but Robert Duvall- unbelievable 👏

[@alexanderchapman2525]

The greatest film ever made. Words can't articulate why, and if they could, would be senseless to all but those who already know.

[@squamish4244]

It is insane, isn't it? He gave the performance of a lifetime, not to mention an exercise in sheer endurance. Apocalypse Now was nominated for most of the major awards, but only won in the technical departments. Duvall was nominated. Now, which movie did win in 1979? Checking... Kramer vs. Kramer. I hear it's a good movie. But it ain't no Apocalypse Now. Not that it really matters, the Oscars are political and the passage of time shows what movies are truly great.

[@barbamatteo]

No one will remember oscars... everybody will remember this movie and actors.

[@ianmackey6097]

Yes, sir. Very much so, sir. Obviously insane

[@mstafford368]

Best movie ever. The dialogue between Willard and Kurtz still haunts me. “Have you ever considered any freedoms? Real freedoms. The freedom from the opinion of others, or even the opinion of yourself”

[@novemberalpha6023]

Extream freedom is not much different from extream chaos and extream lunacy.

[@map3384]

That’s why he had to die. Imagine being so broken that even the most bizarre means was justified in order for the outcome to be advantageous. He knew for himself he was a danger to others in society. It’s why he himself knew he had to die. It was probably the last sane decision he made.

[@LordTalax]

@@novemberalpha6023 Or extreme misspelling.

[@bystander1255]

​@@novemberalpha6023 fair enough

[@UberKrispy]

@@bystander1255 You terminated the English language with extreme prejudice.

[@pmenadue]

I just love the way at 1:35 - the General just turns his head quickly to the Colonel as if to say "now you get on with the unpleasant details". Superb.

[@jeffreycavanaugh1693]

Right? That's such a nice touch. He doesn't actually verbally order anything.

[@pmenadue]

@@jeffreycavanaugh1693 Agree - it follows the vibe that the General just wants to talk about morals and ethics and high level concepts but doesnt get involved in the details.

[@papigringo5692]

Senior year of high school, for AP English, we read Conrad's "Heart of Darkness". When we finished with essays and discussion, our teacher showed us this film. It took a whole week to get through it, as class was but 45 minutes long. A formative experience-- the book and the movie. My English teacher will forever be one of the greatest influences on my mind and my life. May she rest in peace.

[@methylpants]

Thank you for recognizing what good teachers do. It's people like you who keep us going, and when we pass, you keep us alive through your actions.

[@papigringo5692]

@@methylpants She was truly special. We maintained a friendship even after I moved on from school, even after I moved out-of-state. Cancer took her about 15 years ago, and I was devastated. She was not content to hand out assignments and make sure we did them. Her goal was to get us to understand why great literature is important, to ensure that our minds and souls were enriched by it. I miss her so much.

[@mkultra2456]

@@papigringo5692 Did she get aids?

[@notseekingconverts]

I only remember something about the wretched Congo river journey and some ominous lady.

[@sphinxrising1129]

While in college, we was discussing political problems & people & I happened to mention that often, each problem could be solved with a bullet. You would have thought I insulted the Virgin Mary, as I was from a time when organizations like the CIA was less cautious about fallout.

[@SeyhawksNow]

"And very obviously he has gone insane." We then hear a helicopter, the same sound playing in Willard's room where he was staring idly at the ceiling fan in his room before he had a breakdown. This script is genius.

[@WilliamPierce-mi7nv]

I seen this movie a million times and never noticed that, thanks..

[@mackb909]

Jerry Ziesmer (1939-2021) utters one line in the entire movie, perhaps the most memorable one.

[@davidwemyss7303]

Jerry Ziesmer's dialog and his delivery was the only part of the original film release that my father, a 3 war, frontline-combat veteran of the 1st Cavalry Division (Air Mobile), approved of and said was authentic and not a "trained-by-Hollywood" generated piece of dialog. Dad stated in his later role of Cav LRRP there were "assignments" to deal with communist double-agents who freely traveled between Southeast Asia and the West Coast, fomenting civil unrest on college campuses and fueling the anti-war movement of the 60s & 70s. Those words stayed with my father and pointed out that the "Summer of Love" was an illusion. Vietnam was Dad's third and final war in service with the "Cav" and his beloved "Green Machine". He served two tours: 1963-late-1965, MAAG/MAC-V prior to joining 11th Air Assault (Test) which was to become the 7th Cav deployed to the Pleiku Campaign, Dad was one of the originals at Ia Drang but was pivotal in the second battle of the Battle for Ia Drang which was NOT portrayed in the film version of the factual book by Joe Galloway & "light colonel" Hal Moore, the last Provost Marshall of the former Ft Ord, my home, that was de-activated in 1998 by the Federal Base Re-alignment and was converted into CSUMB (swords into plowshares), the California State University of the Monterey Peninsula or most commonly referred as, by my veteran father & my Marine son as the "Cali Socialist's United of the Marxist Peoples (and Indoctrination Center) CSUMB-IC, for short". Early-1966-68 was Dad's second tour that was fictitiously and famously depicted in "Apocalypse Now" when the Democrats were undermining the boots-on-the-ground battles and air war, dictating insane ROEs that benefited the Communists (sound familiar?) under the guise of "forcing the communists to the peace table". The rest is history, sad and tragic as it is. Dad, his troopers and the Marines with the Air Force and Navy air support, decisively won the battles only to have the Democrats lose the war. My father and I met Jerry Ziesmer in 1986, he was touring around the Monterey Peninsula as he was supporting a local historical production at California's First Theatre and a then new community theatre called Paper Wing Theatre near Cannery Row. Is was Dad who recognized him first and called out to him as he was walking the Fisherman's Grotto portion of the wharf pier. Dad made a calculated guess and addressed Ziesmer in French (colonial Vietnamese) which caught his attention, he smiled and immediately greeted my father as a friend. The exchange lasted half an hour as Dad answered queries about the area's points of interest, particularly the forgotten Chinese community that once flourished next to the canneries. Shaking hands, we parted ways, Dad mentioned as we headed to the Coast Guard pier that Mr Ziesmer knew of the important context of the dialog he insisted be included in the scene with the Harrison Ford character choking on the words of the orders he was commanded to read to Sheen's Willard. It was to give the grave context to which Capt Willard was to execute (literally) his orders to locate Col Kurtz. Dad thanked Jerry for showing the gravity of orders to execute "with extreme prejudice" without any over the top dramatization, just those firm words and the stare was enough... Godspeed Jerry Ziesmer, you're remembered and immortal.

[@mackb909]

@@davidwemyss7303 OK very cool to know and thanks for the inside info, but most domestic opposition to the war was organic and not due to foreign "Communist infiltrators." Many people opposed this war for very good reasons, moral as well as practical, and by 1968 the majority of Americans ACROSS THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM wanted out. And the Communists were not the only ones capable of lying and duplicity. The U.S. government systematically lied to the American people over multiple presidential administrations going back at least to Eisenhower and perhaps even Truman (whose administration acquiesced in the doomed French decision to try to reassert its colonial power after WWII) about U.S. war aims, the conduct of the war, how well it was proceeding, and much else. U.S. intelligence agencies, military and civilian, were at best woefully wrong and at worst egregiously dishonest about the nature of the war, Ho's nationalistic determination to win, the Vietcong's will, combat-readiness, and large-scale support among the population, the military facts on the ground, and much else. None of that was created by Communist double agents working here in this nation. My own opinion is we shouldn't have gotten in in the first place, and in all the years since I wondered if we learned our lesson. I don't know how much Jerry Ziesmer, who was mainly a front-line studio professional working in production and direction, has to do with any of this per se. He did not see himself as an actor except on an occasional basis, but Coppola selected him on a the spur of the moment to be the silent civilian intelligence operative sinisterly scrutinizing Willard through reptilian eyes throughout the briefing that Harrison Ford haltingly/awkwardly and G.D. Spradlin avuncularly conduct. When the briefing is just about over, the unnamed civilian leans over and says, in deadpan voice, four words, just four simple words, to impress on Willard the deadly seriousness of the mission, and offers him a cigarette. Terrific acting from a line production worker and Ziesmer is immortalized in American cinematic history, justly, because of it.

[@yam83]

Spooky, in multiple senses.

[@louisrichards3160]

The Senator in the Godfather

[@anthonycruciani939]

​@@louisrichards3160 Ziesmer plays the CIA operative in this scene. Senator Geary of Godfather 2 fame was played by G.D. Spradlin.

[@saberridge6867]

It's odd that I watched this movie dozens of times back in the early 1980s, and I have no idea how I missed that Harrison Ford was in this scene. The scene is written so well you feel the various emotions of the situation yourself. Great acting and staging.

[@cobrajordan1723]

Hey to brighten your day a bit look closely at the name his name tag it say G Lucas

[@michaelwhittaker5432]

@@cobrajordan1723 beat me to it ! homage to George Lucas star wars that had just finished post production

[@TylerDurden-id6yp]

Same here

[@TylerDurden-id6yp]

@@JeanHuguesNumeroOne you must have a very sad life.

[@justinaustin8579]

It was the glasses

[@frankw2424]

Movie was filmed in the Philippines in 1976 and I was a college sophomore at the University of the Philippines. I took a gig as an extra for a week dressed in a GI uniform. Most memorable scene for me was when I was on the stage and the playboy bunnies were dropped off from the chopper to entertain the soldiers. Had to get a crew cut but was worth the pay and the experience. One of my best DVDs.

[@macioluko9484]

That’s crazy man. What a memory!

[@frankw2424]

@@macioluko9484 I was 18 then and now am 66...life is merely a fleeting moment. Make the most of life while we still can. The beautiful cowgirl in the movie was a neighbor of mine here in Burbank, California where I currently am retired.

[@Smudgeroon74]

You got the year right? Filmed in 1976 you say? It was released in 1979 wasn't it?

[@frankw2424]

@@Smudgeroon74 filming takes place before releasing.

[@marcuskif]

​@@frankw2424I'm 29 but I don't feel like lol. Thanks for sharing ur words of wisdom 🎉.

[@NealX_Gaming]

I never realized Ford is playing a Colonel here. He's so young he comes across as a junior officer, like an aide de camp.

[@JnEricsonx]

Look at the nametag on his uniform too.

[@NealX_Gaming]

I can't really make anything out.@@JnEricsonx

[@JnEricsonx]

@@NealX_Gaming Lucas. :)

[@DBCOOPER888]

He was 37 when he filmed it. Lt Col would be more fitting.

[@PaulCoty]

Unless he's undercover CIA.

[@deep_amok]

The look on Willard's face at 1:17 is great. It's like, "They can't be serious. They don't want me to kill him, do they?" And at 1:28 he figures it out like, "Holy shit...they DO want me to kill him."

[@joeshmoe2259]

Shit ... charging a man with murder in this place was like handing out speeding tickets at the Indy 500.

[@loge10]

And I think they should- somebody could get hurt 😢...

[@matthewdietzen6708]

It wasn't about the killing, it was that he was doing it outside the chain of command, thus fomenting anarchy, which the order-loving military frowns on.

[@ObviouslyNotABlackadder]

@@matthewdietzen6708 ironically, Kurtz method apparently looks successful than US conventional method in handling the Vietnam War.

[@matthewdietzen6708]

@@ObviouslyNotABlackadder the war was mostly about making profit, and keeping the USA military apparatus in a permanent state of being "blooded." They didn't want to "win" in the traditional sense, merely screw around indefinitely to deplete the treasury, and experiment with different methods if combat.

[@Andreas-ni2lt]

@@matthewdietzen6708 the whole point of the movie is that the line is blurred between the chain of command and the colonels' anarchy. The further Willard goes upstream the more any moral compass in the chain of command is lost.

[@frankodonnell8041]

This scene alone is Oscar worthy. One of the greatest in film history.

[@inlandindieP35]

Agreed. From every angle I can consider, the scene is perfect.

[@Bubbles99718]

Accepting the cigarette was him signing the dotted line

[@Bertaut]

Jerry Ziesmer is SOOO good in this scene. Dude has one line and he completely dominates the entire scene.

[@brucekuehn4031]

“Terminate … with extreme prejudice.” Jerry Ziesmer started out as an actor, but then got into the Assistant Directors program and became legendary as an AD on big pictures. He sometimes got a little bit part in the movies he worked on also. The bigger the production, the more complicated an AD’s job becomes and Mr Ziesmer was one of the best. A good AD keeps the production moving along and on track and can save a lot of money. Anyone who worked with him can probably remember his exasperated plea, “Peee-pulllll!” Short list of his other credits - 1941, Annie, Blue Thunder, Scarface, Midnight Run, Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous, etc.

[@RayHicks-gl7gm]

Thanks for the back story; glad he got his moment to shine in this scene.

[@allanjechorek4381]

The guy that died on the crapper on the Sopranos used that famous line once.

[@OPproductions22]

Love how uneasy Ford’s character was when he was delivering the mission to Willard. You could tell he revered and respected Kurtz as an officer and a man, but still found it difficult to believe the things he had done. Excellent acting for just one scene.

[@yvesheinrich5013]

I think what also makes this scene a little more unique, is that Ford was an up-and-coming actor at this point, while the rest of the cast here are well-established already.

[@SuperRobertoClemente]

They are Superego (the general), Ego (Ford), and Id (the CIA spook). The Ego is often anxious, trying to figure out what's going on, caught between instinct and law.

[@scottknode898]

@@yvesheinrich5013Ford started acting in 1966 and had several small roles during that time even his appearance in American Graffiti in 1973 was small before went on to play one of his most iconic roles as Han Solo in the original Stars Wars and Force 10 From Navarone before he did apocalypse now but your right he wasn’t a huge star yet until he went on reprise his role as Han Solo in The Empire Strikes Back and to play Indiana Jones in 1981.

[@jetuber]

"This mission does not exist nor will it ever exist." "Thank goodness. I thought that you guys were asking me to go up the river and kill someone. Whew. Now I can go back to bed."

[@RogueReplicant]

Nice try, soldier. Now get your goofy ass on the boat and terminate Dr Moreau with extreme prejudice. Don't forget to wack the creepy midget.

[@ronnie_5150]

I think a guy I know that organized a stag party said this to us right as the limo pulled up.

[@chuckbuckbobuck]

jetuber you are funny! Stand-up awaits me dear!

[@cs7511]

I love a General who quotes Lincoln. G.D. Spradlin nailed this scene.

[@amarbaha]

Jerry should have won an Oscar for that ONE line! It's was BRILLIANTLY stated

[@TheBundleofkent]

GD Spradlin was a MAGNIFICENT actor.

[@chuckbuckbobuck]

He was. And to think this was a mid-life shift. He was a business executive before he became an actor.

[@TheBundleofkent]

@@chuckbuckbobuck wow, I had no idea. Imagine if he had always been an actor. The silent look he gives Harrison Ford to prompt him to give the command to kill Kurtz is wonderful.

[@lesterlemenwater666]

Agreed, wish he'd had a longer career.

[@Mork2001]

Excellent Nevada senator as well ! was fully supported by theCorleone family 🙂

[@fratercontenduntocculta8161]

Simply wild to think Harrison Ford is 80 now. What a time it's been.

[@robertmitchell7354]

This really is one of the best films ever made. I think it's not only stood the test of time, but it's message has resonated as time has gone on.

[@nigelft]

"History does not repeat itself ... but often it does rhyme ..." :- some guy far more wise than me ...

[@josephinebennington7247]

The Directors Redux wrecked it by including the humour about the surf board theft, and the encounter with the French colonials.

[@PolishGod1234]

​I disagree. It enchanced the film. The humor only appeared for the first half of the movie in redux, but as the journey went on the boat Crew wasn't so humorous anymore - and I think that works great. The plantation also adds additional Bizzare Vibe to the film as well as more layers.​@@josephinebennington7247

[@benjamintaylor3934]

You had to admire what Captain Willard says to himself, when he's reading Kurtz's dossier on the patrol boat: "the more I read about him, the more incredible to believe that they want me to kill this guy!"

[@balaclavacotidiano4727]

And when he finally gets to Kurtz's compound, it all makes perfect sense for him and that he needs to do it.

[@Eric-kn4yn]

Incredible to believe they wanted him dead when reading dossier then willard wasnt a politian only a soldier later he became both

[@FloridaManMatty]

My dad was with 5th SF in Vietnam. He actually lived with the Montagnards for about 10 months. Every time I ever watched this movie with him, he had to fast forward through this scene “because the guy playing the Spook (CIA man)…he may as well have been a real one. He reminds me of someone I’d just as soon forget if I could.” So yeah. Superb writing and acting.

[@danwallach8826]

G.D. Spradlin, as the general, did a great job of conveying a man of great power and beguiling Willard into a mission that likely would kill him. Remember, they another officer up there with the same orders and he got turned into one of Kurtz's freaks. "Good does not always triumph." Man, that's some darkness right there!

[@Petefx86]

That whole monologue was pretty intense.

[@user-qq3lb4jc7s]

Spradlin is such an under-rated actor. Between this role, Senator Geary in Godfather Part II, and Gen. Durrell in The Lords of Discipline, he should have earned at least one Oscar along the way for Best Supporting Actor.

[@motherofdoggos3209]

As Willard travels upriver, he travels away from 'civilization' and 'normal'. He sees the lies: 'We cut them in two with a machine gun and then give them a band-aid. It's a lie.'. The scene of the boat way upriver in the curves while Willard reads Kurtz's letter to his son is awesome.

[@debonaire_nerd]

"The crazy thing is…it's true all of it, the Viet Kong, Kurtz, Dennis Hopper, it's all true. Willard...we're home."

[@johnrife7134]

This scene is very underrated. The casting of the general was superb. And that monologue.

[@PolishGod1234]

He also appeared in Godfather part 2 as the Senator.

[@shanejohns7901]

G. D. Spradlin died 24-Jul-2011. He was an amazing actor. But few realize just how much else he did with his life beyond acting. Look over his Wiki entry, and you'll see that this man lived about 3 or 4 lives in a single lifetime given all the interests/careers/skills he had. Just an incredible human being, in my estimation.

[@chuckbuckbobuck]

AGREED

[@billknn]

Great in "The Godfather II" also but not a very big part.

[@anagram8]

This scene paints a very clear picture of what Captain Willard's mission is whether he fully understands it or not. My Dad used to be stationed in Alaska back during the Vietnam "conflict' and he said they would bring the soldier from 'Nam there. He said they were housed in separate barracks and they would hear screams, cries and all sorts of strange sounds. Sometimes the soldiers would jump from the buildings. I'm sure soldier's very much like Captain Willard had to be brought there. Another really good but underrated film that deals with combat fatigue is the darkly comic, 'The Ninth Configuration' written and directly by William Blatty Jr. who also wrote 'The Exorcist'

[@OfficialRibbitNixon]

My grandfather who was a Sergeant in Vietnam encountered a Suicidal private attempt to kill himself by jumping off a flag pole. That war broke everyone and everything

[@projektkobra2247]

The Ninth Configuration is amazing..Im convinced we can walk THROUGH walls...not just me...anyone...cops...people...people in Nashville...

[@briancooper4959]

I saw this film in the theater, and even then, noted that General Corman let his (supposed) Chief of Staff Colonel Lucas articulate the order for the mission. This, of course, gave the General a certain measure of (admittedly absurd) deniability.

[@derpdiggler7413]

plausible deniability is the keystone to any military

[@fbksfrank4]

The veil of ambiguity in government is enough.

[@No_MAGAts_]

It's a black bag. There's an operator present. The only documents that will ever exist will be a CIA report labeled _Classified._ This was never a military exercise-- it was a CIA hit. When operators show up you just do whatever they say because it's coming from the very "top." That's no joke. They show respect to the brass but they ain't asking-- they're _telling_ then what the fuck is gonna go down.

[@rolandmiller5456]

Neither Corman or Lucas were the shot callers on this mission and everybody knows it. The guy with the tie with the one line is the boss in that room. They don't need plausible deniability.. like the guy said it never happened.

[@fbksfrank4]

@@rolandmiller5456 what never happened.

[@lucasfederal3555]

A bizarre mission in a bizarre war. This movie is really amazing.

[@marknewton6984]

So is the book. Prophetic.

[@steveschmitt6933]

One of my favorite scenes in the entire movie...i just love how they are living like "kings" over in a different country at war

[@danieltobin4498]

It’s more than that. They’re living in a little slice of America in Vietnam

[@grider421]

well in 69 24th corps headquarters was all that tennis courts and swimming pools! i couldn’t believe it a half hour before we were pulling wounded out of the ashau valley i had no idea such a place existed in I corp! 🤪

[@vinsanity982]

I'm not a writing expert but it seems to me that the general's lines were directed to the audience. He is looking directly into the camera, directly to the audience, and explaining the core conflict or theme of the message. It is also interesting to me that it cuts to Willard when he says "..and good does not always triumph" and subsequently Willard looks directly at the audience at "...sometimes the dark side overcomes what Lincoln called the better angels of our nature".

[@doorswhofan]

I always took that as Willard looking inward when the general said that -- knowing that the darkness was overtaking him. Killing Kurtz became killing that part of himself.

[@bluegregory6239]

This is one of the two best scenes in the greatest film ever made. All-Time Hollywood Great Harrison Ford, still in the early stage of his career, has one of the underappreciated little cameos ever, playing counter to the Alpha actor he was already. His nervousness is apparent, being with a General and the obviously (and weirdly creepy) CIA guy. This sets up the whole rest of the film, as will have been apparent to serious fans already.

[@TheMilitantHorse]

The way the characters look into the camera, what is usually considered a mistake, is done intentionally, and it's super haunting. The genuine feel of unease in the conversation is stressful, but feeling like you're on the receiving end of the Lt Gen's orders, it's super upsetting.

[@KutWrite]

I think they look just barely off-camera, but yes, quite a strong effect, like we're at the briefing waiting for them to pass those crayfish with the heads on.

[@josephinebennington7247]

A stunning vignette. Beautifully paced, tension built by silences and glances, and the one sentence performance from the Secret Service bod. Never tire of this scene.

[@spearofconquest]

I like how awkward Harrison is here. Trying to cleanly give the mission goal of assassinating a US Commander without saying it specifically. And the CIA agent giving Sheen a hard stare because he's making 100% sure Sheen is on board and won't ask something like "Ugh, this isn't legal, is it?" lol

[@RichWeigel]

Probably the same CIA agent involved in the JFK assassination.

[@jbkormos]

That look, at the very last moment of this clip, is the 'Oh, fuck' look. It's the realization of the fact that you have just been thrust into the very cauldron of Hell itself.

[@AJFisherDesign]

“That's my dream; that's my nightmare. Crawling, slithering, along the edge of a straight razor... and surviving.”

[@christianzafiroglu6705]

This is one of Harrison Ford’s best performances. Yeah, it’s small and easy to miss, but his presence is properly balanced. His delivery of his lines, choked in the throat and hesitant are perfectly timed.

[@barrycalvillo2466]

for the record, he was hung over from the night before, you can read about it, the sweating, coughing dropping things in the scene he did not have time to really sober up. So it was very realistic.

[@delrey874]

One of the best films ever made. The acting, cinematography and sound were outstanding from start to finish.

[@climbnride58]

My second favorite movie of all time.

[@fr-tigerfangs7039]

No. The best movie ever!!

[@rjj5075]

First I quit smoking two years ago but this scene makes me want one so bad. You can feel the tension. Second I love how they pause after they say Kurtz is insane. As if they are trying to see if Willard will agree with them. Makes you wonder if they have their doubts about Willard’s sanity.

[@markmcallan973]

Oh yeah bro phycology 101right there, that's what makes this movie a masterpiece 🤟

[@rightrightrightuhhuhuhhuh6516]

And how Willard initially turns one down initially then when he realizes just how deeply fucked up it all is, decides to smoke one like it's his last request...

[@Bitshitter]

@@rightrightrightuhhuhuhhuh6516 I saw an analysis done on the movie, where it was said that the taking of the cigarette at the end of the above scene was symbolic - it wasn't that Willard wanted to smoke the cigarette, or even if he smoked at all. It was that at that precise moment, it was a blood rite - that Willard was going to go "all in" or not at all - he was going to accept a mission off the books to go find a rogue US Marine Colonel during wartime, and assassinate him. The accepting of the cigarette was merely a symbolic way for Willard to show that he was accepting the mission, without verbally confirming that he was. It was like kissing the Don's ring......

[@benjamintaylor3934]

I quit 12 years ago, and this is a film that makes me genuinely want one! This, Fight Club, and Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas! 🤣 Rotten habit, expensive and disastrous to health, better off rid of it 😉👍

[@benjamintaylor3934]

@@Bitshitter that actually makes sense, to be honest. A little like knocking back a small measure of alcohol, or (in the case of Frank Pentangeles in Godfather Pt II) smiling and telling the second half of a well known story, fully aware of the underlying message.

[@incredibleXMan]

I like this scene because although these top brass and the CIA dude are obviously thinking about the colonel you get the feeling they are also wondering about Sheen's character also.

[@daveyboy_]

Fishing on R&R ?

[@raulbetancourt5795]

I didnt, soldiers are like cannon balls for these fuckers, they're expendable.

[@Doesitmatter113]

That's primarily to determine if the operative can go through with mission considering his personality and training mirror the Colonel. Sending in one crazy to kill another crazy...

[@doorswhofan]

Frankly, as far as the general's final glance over at the colonel, I always felt the greater unspoken message there was, "Okay, this captain seems a little sketchy and spaced-out, but his track record says he ought to be able to do this, so..."

[@WhiteBloggerBlackSpecs]

"Terminate with extreme prejudice." The way it was delivered will forever be haunting

[@mlbowen6476]

And of course after all these years when we hear the expression "the dark side" and see Harrison Ford, it gives an entire new meaning and connotation.

[@mkultra2456]

"JOIN ME HAN SOLO! TOGETHER WE SHALL RULE THE GALAXY AS SITH LORD AND SMUGGLER!" "Hell yeah I'm down!"

[@lazyartiste_2357]

@@mkultra2456 I would definitely pay to watch that movie.

[@curtissmcadams1400]

His character's name is Colonel G. Lucas.

[@pedrosuarez2349]

What I find strange is that most people don't mention the fact that Willard was never told that Colby was sent before him.....till after he left on the mission.....sent on a classified memo to the navy boat.....makes me wonder what they really thought of Willard....

[@poorman2457]

Yeah that's one of the more eerie parts of the movie. That they had sent Colby before him.

[@RevolverRho]

Says a lot imho, tells you very much that he is the apex of the US Soldier, a man built to kill, built to work like a machine perfectly snug in the cog. That’s how I interpret it at least.

[@rightrightrightuhhuhuhhuh6516]

Good insight! Willard was on a one-way mission and they were keeping him around as a Kamikazee who would take anything because he was basically made of "the wrong stuff"... Colby did seem to have the hook up out there though, a girl on each arm, endless drug supply, all the free ammo he could shoot, losing his mind and soul, the usual stuff

[@jkorshak]

Pure practicality for telling the story. Would have been too much to explain to the audience who Kurtz was and the basics of the mission while throwing in there detail about another guy to possibly look for who also went in. The Colby memo moves the story along and reminds the audience about the mission in between the episodes on the river.

[@robertbusek30]

Well, I think they figured Colby was dead, but new information came in that he had joined Kurtz. Still, I always figured that this was supposed to be a one way trip for Willard. The CIA guy probably would have had him “taken care of” in Saigon once he returned.

[@clocksurfer]

I'm disturbed by how relatable this is. I wasn't even born until 1969, and I've only ever been a Captain in the civilian fire service (never served in the military). Heavy...

[@paulcaton7093]

The direction & editing in this scene are simply outstanding. The shifting directions of gazes tells the whole story.

[@gregfox8132]

The cia man has a disgusted look on his face just before he says "terminate with extreme prejudice " cold, chilling and utterly fantastic dialogue delivery.

[@moviesgalore9947]

G.D. Spradlin is really good in this he played the Senator in Godfather 2 it was smart for Francis to use him again in this movie.

[@tomcooper6108]

G.D Spradlin was absolutely great in his role as a General. The technique....pauses, breaths, inflection were superb.

[@TheMerryPup]

Aside from the brilliant acting and filmmaking, I also loved Martin Sheen’s voiceover in the film.

[@DarthRushy]

He didn't do the voiceover, his brother did.

[@damianbyrne1664]

I recently asked a Vietnam vet what was the best film about the war that he'd seen. He said Apocalypse Now because... ''it captured the insanity of it all''...

[@hunterwilder9665]

1:43 If you look closely, you can see that Harrison Ford actually says “Pick up Colonel Leighley’s path at Nu Mung Ba.” This is because Marlon Brando did not believe that an American colonel would be named Kurtz. It was only after reading Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness (and loving it) that he demanded the name be changed back

[@TulaneAve]

Highly dubious factoid. Every instance recorded of Coppola and cast state that Brando arrived on set having never read anything part of Heart of Darkness. Watch Hearts of Darkness.

[@rogermouton2273]

'He's out there operating without restraint, totally beyond the pale of any acceptable human conduct.' Sounds like warfare.

[@skeena59]

War is hell.

[@RogueReplicant]

Roger - He's describing Uncle Sam. I wish the evil American Empire would just die. HOWEVER, whoever fills the vacuum of power will do the same. Whether it's Winnie the Pooh and his army of brainwashed commie zombies or any other maniac, THEY WILL DO THE SAME.

[@alanhutchins5916]

45’s Presidency tbh.

[@ilmarinen79]

Warfare is controlled though and clearly in their view "acceptable human conduct".

[@rogermouton2273]

@@ilmarinen79 Do you think trench warfare is 'acceptable human conduct'? How about what happened during the D day landings?

[@vanessajazp6341]

Every moment of this film (theatrical release) was pure art. An amazing, historical film.

[@Khyrid]

The writing and acting in this scene are stellar.

[@bangslamwham88]

What I love the most is that this was a chance for Harrison Ford to play outside of his usual roles as the stoic leading man.

[@dukeford8893]

When this was shot Harrison was still a few years away from being a "stoic leading man". He was lucky to be working, period.

[@ericwhitehead6451]

Jerry Ziesmer could have gotten an academy award for only 4 words. Best war movie ever made.

[@TTony-tu6dm]

The General’s monologue sums up the theme of the film

[@anthonypiccirilli6324]

I love the way the offer and acceptance of a cigarette seals the deal.

[@annoyedok321]

Love the slow, roundabout way of doing dialogue like this.

[@AcuraLvR82]

I first saw this movie in a high school class back in 1999 and the older I get the more I understand the gravity of this scene. What gets me the most is the general describing how Kurtz has gone insane, yet the mission they are about to order him is the very essence of insanity.

[@tritium1998]

Harrison Ford hears about the dark side often.

[@zeothorn]

I have a bad feeling about this!

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

“There’s a conflict in every human between the rational and the irrational.”

[@afriend9428]

*needs to talk to Luke and Leia then*

[@Bubbles99718]

Hokie religions are no match for a blaster at your side

[@steampunker7]

One of the underlying messages of this film that it highlights in practically every scene, every exchange, every line of dialogue, is an indictment. Not an indictment against the US, or the Vietnamese, or the military or the politics involved. But rather, it is an indictment on the concept of war itself. Namely that war, itself, is insane. From the highest general to the lowest grunt, from the first shot to the final blow, war is unequivocally, undeniably, and on every level, insane. And it underlines that point, ultimately, in the form of Colonel Kurtz. Because of all the insanity we see throughout the film, in all the encounters and characters we see in an almost This Is Spinal Tap-esque "not untrue enough" exaggeration, it is Kurtz and Kurtz alone in the whole story who is openly and directly called "insane." He is called insane because out of everyone he is the only one who not only understands but accepts what it's ultimately going to take to "win" this. And he spells it out in red ink and three simple words in the final scenes. "EXTERMINATE THEM ALL!" That's what it will take. That's what you have to do. You want to "win" then you are going to have to kill every single man, woman, and child down to the last. And those words are the indictment on war because it poses two questions to all of us who would think to undertake it. If you are not willing to do that, what are you doing here in the first place? And if you are willing to do that, who really is the "monster" here?

[@dadevi]

That's an oversimplification. Most wars are fought to force a surrender. Glory goes to the victor who can prove his or her decisiveness on the battlefield, which is why Athena was honored more than Ares in Greek culture. Wiping out a population has always been a last resort, and in the context of modern colonialization, not an option because modern day militaries no longer want to be responsible for defending new territory.

[@kaboose64]

You completely missed the guys point. He's referring to the scene where the colonel is saying "exterminate them all" and that any less won't result in a victory because the fact is the Vietnamese just didn't want the Americans there. Obviously genociding an entire countries' population isn't a real choice because they're there to win the hearts and minds. So the film is essentially a critique on how the war was ultimately pointless and how fighting it is ultimately insane as the US would never be the 'victor'. Same thing happened in Iraq and Afghanistan

[@Robb1977]

@@dadevi wars rarely appear out of nowhere, the vietnam war is a continuation of ww2 and the entire european colonial period/conquest. after it "ended" people continued to die, and still continue to die. this is either UxO's, political work camps, ect. when America left, the chinese stepped in to try and conquer vietnam. war isnt just artistry like athnea. its a never ending cycle that literally seems to only ever end when everyone is dead. not just the enemy, but yourself too. as long as there are people, they will fight.

[@dadevi]

@@Robb1977 Who ever said war is artistry? I simply said that war isn't the same as genocide. And far more people run from wars than participate in them. In many ways, several waves of immigrants to America are examples of people who would rather run than fight in wars. War is not enevitable. Many simply move elsewhere and abandon territory rather than fight or be slaughtered.

[@Robb1977]

@dadevi athena is an artistic depiction of war. And war is quite similar to genocide, in fact, the two are strongly linked. Not only will battles leave people dead, but the occupations will do the same. You talk about "peacefully securing new territory" when i cant think of a time where it ever was like that. Sargon executed prisoners of war, theres a "bullet and ash" layer in cities at the time of the uruk expansion. The greeks and romans put civilians into slavery when captured. The crusaders stained Jerusalem with blood, and the saracens murdered the monks. The samurai abused the populations of defeated nations on many levels. The French empire saw many conquered people executed, even to the extent people believed (with good reason) that there was an attempt at systematic genocide to break up the british empire. Ww2 simply needs no introduction, and the iron curtain was rife with political work/death camps for years after the "need" subsided. Those waves of immigrants fled wars like those in 1849, 1860, but often immigrants found themselves in new wars. Spanish american war, "indian" wars (which was a very overt genocidal war) the Civil war which caused so much death people were convinced it wouldnt end until everyone on the other side died... and some still think this way, even if theyre not as active about it as they used to be.

[@volpetrolski1]

The level of acting in this scene... incredible.

[@mrgoblueguy]

What an absolute masterpiece of a film. It’s absolutely perfect

[@michaelklein3112]

FFC should get the job of making movies in heaven!! Pure perfection! 👍🤓👍

[@doylehargrave233]

“Hey soldier. Do you know who’s in command here?”……”yea”.

[@vonn4017]

yeah, not yea. he wasnt voting on something

[@doylehargrave233]

@@vonn4017 ok teach me about affirmative answers that I’ve obviously been oblivious to.

[@vonn4017]

@@doylehargrave233 teachers get paid

[@MotorCityPhoenix313]

0:34 I first saw this film when I was dealing with severe depression. This line has always stuck with me.

[@philmann3476]

Always liked the the subtle, but important shift from, "Terminate the Colonel's command," (i.e., the mission actually stated) to "Terminate the Colonel?" Willard clearly understood.

[@jimbo6413]

That glance at 1:35, the "okay, lay it on him" shot.

[@doorswhofan]

Frankly, I always felt the greater unspoken message there was, "Okay, this captain seems a little sketchy and spaced-out, but his track record says he ought to be able to do this, so..."

[@genuinesaucy]

"They were gonna make a Major for this... and I wasn't even in their fuckin' army anymore."

[@runswithbears3517]

Everything the general says may as well be taken as a direct reflection on US conduct in Vietnam. Even the introspective, blank stare with which he delivers the lines fits perfectly.

[@JF-xq6fr]

Damn, when 'Jerry' the spook wipes that tiny smile away with a blink... The way his undone purple tie reminds me a confessional... And for my sins, they gave me one.

[@TheOneAndOnlyDaan]

I love the fact that Solo was in Nam before he became a smuggler in the outer rim.

[@MrEab2010]

Sheen's role and performance is eerily similar to one he played in a 1969 episode of Mission: Impossible. In that episode he was also a junior military officer set up to be a patsy in an East-West intelligence chess game, only he got some personal revenge in that one. He played it expertly and it jump started his acting career.

[@paranormalskeptic3893]

I remember Sheen from Badlands, and then he was riveting in The Execution of Private Slovak. Just a great actor.

[@ckmoore101]

What a great scene. Every actor does a great job. And Martin looking directly into the camera was brilliant. I haven't watched this film since the 90's, its overdue for a re-watch. Just did the Godfather trilogy earlier this year. Damn Coppolla sure made exquisite movies.

[@justmeeagainn]

The General explains the plots to both Apocalypse Now and Star Wars in one speech.

[@redmunkee]

"Sometimes the dark side overcomes..." Harrison Ford: "Not THIS again."

[@sgt_slobber.7628]

Terminate, w/ Extreme Prejudice!!!!!! That line sends chills up and down my spine!!!!!😬😬😬

[@SIKE01]

*"terminate with extreme prejudice"* the most memorable and cold-blooded movie line ever.

[@Empress_Theresa]

These men are pros. Not only the actors, but a also the writer and director.

[@OptimusWombat]

Fun fact: although Coppola went on to direct the film, it was actually George Lucas who was originally hired to direct it. Lucas left the project partly due to his commitments on American Graffiti and Star Wars.

[@Falconlibrary]

COLONEL LUCAS: There's one more thing, Captain Willard. CAPTAIN WILLARD: What's that, sir? COLONEL LUCAS: Don't get cocky, kid.

[@anthonylynch4737]

Such amazing acting in this scene..With the ultimate War Line ever .."'Terminate with Extreme Prejudice !

[@alwarberigai5955]

The very way in which this scene was composed and shot is masterclass in its own right. The way Jerry and Ford tell him the mission like they were talking about the weather of the afternoon, a quiet cigarette gesture and acceptance.. thus accepting the mission. Very clear and very powerful. The intensity of the situation couldn’t be shot better…

[@wes11bravo]

This is one of the most well acted scenes in any movie.

[@jesselivermore2291]

the minute willard said "yes sir, obviously insane" they knew, they had their guy for the job.

[@Matthew-ut6ed]

Interesting thing about this scene is just how much time the actors spend looking direct to camera - but you don't really notice it because the dialogue draws you in to the tension between all four...

[@mkultra2456]

They're not looking directly at the camera they're looking slightly down or up to show that they are facing the character they are talking to.

[@rideshareog]

Apocalypse Now Redux is a must watch. There's scenes that tell such a bigger history. A huge fav for acting at it's highest level.

[@shelbynamels973]

What often goes unappreciated is what an all-star cast this movie had. Besides the principals, Marlon Brando and Martin Sheen, there was a young Harrison Ford (this scene), Laurence Fishburne, Dennis Hopper, and, not to forget, Robert "I love the smell of napalm in the morning" Duvall.

[@officiervanjustitie9846]

“I am beyond their timid lying morality, and so I am beyond caring. Your loving father.”

[@kevinhealey6540]

I was in the army and G. D. Spradlin acting as a general was right on target.

[@kevinhealey6540]

He a really good actor. I remember him an a couple of episodes in the TV show "Dragnet". He did a really good job in those episodes.

[@LordTalax]

@@kevinhealey6540 Godfather II also