Apocalypse Now : pro-war sentiments in an "anti-war" film

Abstract

In this study, the film Apocalypse Now is analyzed in terms of its ideological function and messages by using the textualist approach of screen theory. The film is examined as both a pro-war and anti-war film which reveals the U.S.’s ambivalence toward the Vietnam War both politically and cinematically. Although Apocalypse Now seems to oppose the war and is generally considered an anti-war film, the visual style of some scenes and certain discursive constructions of the film allow a pro-war reading. The film is analyzed especially in terms of its mythic structure, the subject positions it creates for the spectator, and the ideology of realism within it.