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The Guardian
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Hearts of Darkness: A Film-Maker's Apocalypse review – Francis Ford Coppola and the mother of all meltdowns
The greatest ever making-of documentary is now on re-release: the terrifying story of how Francis Ford Coppola's Vietnam war masterpiece Apocalypse Now got made – even scarier than Les Blank's Burden of Dreams, about the making of Werner Herzog's Fitzcarraldo. The time has come to acknowledge Eleanor Coppola's magnificent achievement here as first among equals of the credited directors in shooting the original location footage (later interspersed with interviews by Fax Bahr and George Hickenlooper), getting the stunningly intimate audio tapes of her husband Francis's meltdown moments and, of course, in unassumingly keeping the family together while it was all going on. With his personal and financial capital very high after The Conversation and the Godfather films, Coppola put up his own money and mortgaged property to make this stunningly audacious and toweringly mad version of Joseph Conrad's novella Heart of Darkness from a script by John Milius; it is transplanted from 19th-century Belgian Congo where a rogue ivory trader has gone native in the dark interior, to south-east Asia during the Vietnam war where a brilliant US army officer is now reportedly being worshipped as a god among the Indigenous peoples and must have his command terminated 'with extreme prejudice'. Marlon Brando had a whispery voiced cameo as the reclusive demi-deity, Martin Sheen was the troubled Captain Willard tasked with taking Kurtz down and Robert Duvall is the psychotically gung-ho Lt Col Kilgore, who leads a helicopter assault. Haemorrhaging money and going insanely over-schedule, Coppola shot his film in the Philippines during burning heat, humidity and monsoons and borrowed army helicopters and pilots from President Ferdinand Marcos, only to find that on many occasions – especially during the legendary Ride of the Valkyries attack scene – filming had to halt as the Filipino military would ask for their helicopters back so they could suppress a communist insurgency. In fact, Coppola found himself reproducing reality on a 1:1 scale. As he said in his Cannes press conference, which opens the documentary: 'The film is not about Vietnam; it is Vietnam, it's what it was really like.' Well, bravura auteur rhetoric is an accepted Cannes press conference tradition. The film was arguably just what Vietnam was like for the Americans – though nobody actually died and perhaps it is time to re-state something about Vietnam that gets lost for later generations: a considerable proportion of US soldiers were drafted. The agony was there from the beginning. Coppola originally cast Harvey Keitel as Willard but didn't like what he was doing and fired him on pretty much the first day – a traumatic and legally fraught event that can't be talked about too clearly in the documentary. Sheen, the replacement, was a heavy drinker and smoker whose 'breakdown' scene in his seedy Saigon hotel room was a dangerous, booze-fuelled improvisation. It was a personal primal scream, which contributed so much to his stress that he had a near-fatal heart attack, almost scuppering the entire production. The documentary's most gripping moment is Coppola yelling at someone on the phone not to talk about Sheen's heart attack in case the resulting gossip causes his financial backers to lose their nerve. Sam Bottoms, playing one of Willard's crew, talks cheerfully about doing speed and LSD during filming; he can't have been the only one. And all the time Coppola was suppressing intense anxiety that he was making a mediocre, pretentious movie. Like Conrad, he wanted to satirise the hubris and grotesque vanity of the west's imperial ambitions – and there is something else as well. Willard comes to understand that in killing Kurtz, he is not interrupting or thwarting his occult ritual; he is in fact participating in it, and completing it. Perhaps Coppola came to believe something similar, that he was having his own epiphany-slash-nervous-breakdown in the jungle. It wasn't quite an apocalypse for him, although he arguably never made anything as good again. As it is, it might have been good to have had Coppola and Milius discuss that title: it sounds like a demand, coming from someone who won't wait for apocalypse a moment longer. It might be prescriptive and absurd, but as with the film itself, you wind up believing in it. Hearts of Darkness: A Film-Maker's Apocalypse is in UK and Irish cinemas from 4 July, and on UHD and Blu-ray from 28 July.
Irish Examiner
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Michael Moynihan: Drone deliveries could land in Cork — but at what cost to jobs, privacy, and peace of mind?
Is it time for The Ride of the Valkyries? Crank the speaker way past 10, open the windows, and listen to the soundtrack of our doom as it approaches? Fans of Apocalypse Now will recall the famous helicopter sequence from that movie, when Robert Duvall leads an attack on a seaside village to the strains of Wagner because it 'scares the hell' out of the enemy. This is exclusive subscriber content. Already a subscriber? Sign in Subscribe to access all of the Irish Examiner. Annual €120€60 Best value Monthly €10€4 / month Unlimited access. Subscriber content. Daily ePaper. Additional benefits.
Irish Examiner
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
How do some blockbuster disaster movies stack up against real science?
From fiery asteroids to rogue planets, humanity's fascination with its own demise has fuelled countless blockbuster films. End-of-the-world movies captivate us with their spectacle and suspense, but how do they stack up against real science? Let's explore some iconic apocalypse films and rate which ones get close to plausible science and which ones veer into pure fantasy. The scientifically plausible, kind of… Deep Impact (1998) Deep Impact starring Robert Duvall, Téa Leoni, Elijah Wood, Vanessa Redgrave, Maximilian Schell, and Morgan Freeman Plot: A comet is on a collision course with Earth, threatening mass extinction. Science Check: This one gets a lot right. Comets (icy, rocky bodies from the outer solar system) could indeed strike Earth, as they have in the past (think of the Chicxulub impact that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago — although this is widely believed to have been caused by an asteroid not a comet). The film's depiction of a global effort to deflect the comet with nuclear weapons aligns with real-world concepts like NASA's planetary defence strategies, including the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission, which successfully altered an asteroid's orbit in 2022. Where it stretches plausibility is in the timeline, detecting a comet just months before impact is unlikely with today's tech, which can spot near-Earth objects years in advance. Still, the tsunami-causing aftermath of a smaller fragment hitting the Atlantic? That's a chillingly realistic touch. Accuracy Rating: 7/10. Nails comet impacts and deflection but stretches the detection timeline. The Day After Tomorrow (2004) The Day After Tomorrow starring Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal, Sela Ward, Emmy Rossum, and Ian Holm Plot: Climate change triggers a sudden ice age, with superstorms and flash-freezing chaos. Science Check: This film takes a kernel of truth and runs wild with it. The idea of a disrupted Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a key ocean current that regulates global climate, has basis in science. Studies suggest that melting polar ice from climate warming have weakened this system, and under high emissions scenarios it could collapse, which would cool Europe and the planet overall; however, scientists aren't sure about the timing this could happen — it's a hot (or cold) topic. But the movie's hyper-accelerated timeline (days instead of decades) and dramatic effects, like tornadoes shredding Los Angeles or New York freezing solid in hours, are pure Hollywood. Real climate shifts are gradual, not instant, and liquid nitrogen-style freezing of humans? Thermodynamically absurd. Accuracy Rating: 4/10. AMOC disruption is real, but the rest is cinematic craic. Interstellar (2014) Anne Hathaway as Amelia in Interstellar. Picture: Warner Bros/Paramount/Melinda Sue Gordon Plot: Earth becomes uninhabitable due to crop failures and dust storms, prompting a search for a new home via a wormhole. Science Check: Interstellar earns points for ambition. The film consulted physicist Kip Thorne, ensuring its wormhole and black hole visuals (like Gargantua's accretion disk) were grounded in relativity theory. Crop blight wiping out food supplies is a plausible threat, fungal pathogens and climate change do endanger global agriculture. However, the idea of Earth becoming a dust-choked wasteland in mere decades is exaggerated; such a collapse would likely take centuries. The wormhole? Theoretically possible, but we've no evidence they exist or could be navigated. Accuracy Rating: 7/10. Blight and dust are credible, but the speed and wormhole travel are speculative. The scientifically absurd Armageddon (1998) Armageddon with Bruce Willis Plot: A Texas-sized asteroid threatens Earth, and oil drillers are sent to nuke it from the inside. Science Check: Armageddon is a rollercoaster of nonsense. An asteroid that big (1,000 km wide) would obliterate Earth on impact, no drilling required. Splitting it with a nuke wouldn't work either; you'd need energy far exceeding all human-made explosives combined, and the fragments would still rain down catastrophically. Plus, training drillers to be astronauts in days? NASA would sooner train astronauts to drill. It's a thrilling ride, but it's about as scientific as a cartoon. Accuracy Rating: 1/10. Gets the asteroid threat vaguely right but flunks physics and logistics. 2012 (2009) 2012 starring John Cusack, Thandiwe Newton, Danny Glover, and Woody Harrelson Plot: Neutrinos from a solar flare heat Earth's core, causing continents to shift and mega-tsunamis to ensue. Science Check: This one's a doomsday fever dream. Neutrinos, near-massless particles that pass through matter, are incapable of heating Earth's core. Science says no, but the film says 'yes, and here's tsunamis'. The idea of 'solar flares' triggering pole shifts or crust displacement is geological gibberish, plate tectonics don't work that way, and shifts take millions of years, not hours. The arks saving humanity are a nice touch, but the science here is a Mayan prophecy-level stretch. Accuracy Rating: 0/10 —Pure fantasy with zero scientific grounding. The Core (2003) The Core: In a last-ditch effort to restart the planet's failing magnetic field, scientists and astronauts must set off a nuclear device at the center of the Earth. 2003 film starring Aaron Eckhart, Hilary Swank, and Stanley Tucci Plot: Earth's core mysteriously stops spinning, so a team drills down to detonate nukes and restart it. Science Check: Where to begin? The core stopping would take an incomprehensible force (far beyond anything natural) and would disrupt Earth's magnetic field gradually, not instantly. Drilling to the core is impossible with current tech; the deepest hole ever (Kola Superdeep Borehole) reached just 12 kilometres, versus the 2,900 kilometres to the outer core. And nukes restarting it? Angular momentum doesn't work like a car engine. This film's a wild sci-fi romp, not a science lesson. Although there is a factually correct documentary by the same name... and I know a lecturer who accidentally played the wrong core movie to their university class. They shall remain anonymous. Accuracy Rating: 0/10. A wild sci-fi ride with no scientific legs. Why we love the apocalypse anyway Whether they nail the science or fling it out the window, end-of-the-world films tap into our primal fears and hopes. Films such as Deep Impact and Interstellar remind us of real threats, asteroids, climate change, resource depletion, while offering heroic solutions. Meanwhile, Armageddon and 2012 lean into absurdity, prioritising explosions over equations. Scientifically accurate or not, they all ask: How would we face the end? And that's a question worth pondering, even if the neutrinos stay harmless and the core keeps spinning. So, next time you're watching an apocalyptic blockbuster, enjoy the ride and just don't bet on it being a documentary.
Geek Vibes Nation
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Vibes Nation
Imprint Television To Release A New Collection Of TV Movies On Blu-Ray This June
Imprint Television has announced a new title to join the collection on Blu-Ray in June: TV Movie Of The Week – Collection Three (1966-1976). These represent a collection of dramatic tales not to be missed featuring the likes of James Caan, Billy Dee Williams, Robert Duvall, Rod Taylor, and more. Imprint is a specialty label based out of Australia whose releases can be played in Blu-Ray players worldwide, including U.S. players. All first pressings of each release will have strictly limited-edition deluxe packaging along with new transfers, audio commentaries, exclusive bonus features & more. These releases will be limited to 1,500 copies only. Details can be found below: Street Date: June 25, 2025 Synopsis: Continue our 'TV Movie Of The Week' series, here to showcase the fondly remembered and pioneering genre of movies made for television. Take a trip back to the 60s and 70s with these three electric stories, featuring stars of the big screen as you've never seen them before. 3-DISC BLU-RAY SET in Limited Edition Hardbox packaging. 1500 copies only. Fame Is The Name Of The Game (1966) – Imprint Television #21 Worldwide first on Blu-ray! Award-winning director Stuart Rosenberg (Cool Hand Luke) directed this chilling mystery starring Tony Franciosa, Jack Klugman, Susan St. James, and Robert Duvall. Jeff Dillon, a top feature writer and political analyst for Fame Magazine, discovers the corpse of a young woman with an address book in her hand, and decides to investigate her murder. Based on the book One Woman by Tiffany Thayer, this made-for-television film launched the TV series The Name Of The Game. Special Features & Technical Specs: 1080p high-definition presentation on Blu-ray NEW Audio Commentary by screenwriter and film historian Gary Gerani Audio Commentary by screenwriter and film historian Gary Gerani Audio: English LPCM 2.0 Mono Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Optional English HOH Subtitles Brian's Song (1971) – Imprint Television #22 Hollywood legends James Caan and Billy Dee Williams star in this moving biopic, receiving widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. It is often referenced as one of the greatest television films ever made, and a key entry for fans of sports drama. Brian's Song tells the true story of two professional football players for the Chicago Bears, Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo, and their unbreakable bond when Piccolo is stricken with malignant cancer. Special Features & Technical Specs: 1080p high-definition presentation on Blu-ray Audio Commentary by actors James Caan and Billy Dee Williams Gale Sayers: First and Goal – featurette – featurette Promotional Trailer Audio: English LPCM 2.0 Mono Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Optional English HOH Subtitles A Matter of Wife… and Death (1976) – Imprint Television #23 Worldwide first on Blu-ray! Rod Taylor takes over the role of private detective Shamus McCoy, originated by Burt Reynbolds in Shamus (1973). After witnessing his former associate being blown up in his car, part time private eye, part time pool hustler, and full time ladies' man Shamus finds himself in the middle of a major gambling ring. Technical Specs: 1080p high-definition presentation on Blu-ray Audio: English LPCM 2.0 Mono Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Optional English HOH Subtitles
Scottish Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I'm a Scottish football cult hero who rubbed shoulders with Yellowstone star and Ally McCoist in little-known movie
Nobody would have guessed how big a star he would become 'NEVER PLAYED SOCCER' I'm a Scottish football cult hero who rubbed shoulders with Yellowstone star and Ally McCoist in little-known movie IF you haven't seen A Shot at Glory, I suggest you rectify that now. Ally McCoist, Robert Duvall, a US TV megastar and a host of Scottish football cult heroes? What more could you want? Advertisement 7 Robert Duvall in his role as Gordon McLeod, manager of Kilnockie in A Shot at Glory Credit: United International Pictures 7 Ally McCoist had a part in the film too, as an aging ex-Celtic hero! Credit: United International Pictures 7 A future TV megastar was also in the flick Credit: United International Pictures The film, released in the year 2002, was directed by Michael Corrente and had limited commercial and critical success at the time. But it's since established itself as something of a fans' favourite, among those who know about it at least. The movie follows the story of the fictional Kilnockie FC, who are managed by Duvall as the character of Gordon McLeod. McCoist plays the part of a fictitious former CELTIC player, Jackie McQuillan, who signs for the club and proves to be quite the handful to manage. Advertisement But the two men come together to lead the club on an improbable cup run in the midst of the looming threat of their American owner, played by Michael Keaton, who wants to relocate them to Ireland. Throw in Succession star Brian Cox in the role of the manager of Rangers and a soundtrack by Mark Knopfler of the Dire Straits, you'd think it was a winning formula. But there was one inevitable problem - the young American star in the film had NO experience of playing football. Owen Coyle did however, and he has opened up on rubbing shoulders what it was like filming alongside an actor who would go on to become a household names thanks to his appearance in the Yellowstone TV series. Advertisement Cole Hauser, who plays the part of Rip in the Paramount drama, was cast as back-up goalkeeper Kelsey in the A Shot at Glory. Cult hero Coyle told the Open Goal podcast about the scene where he was to make his big introduction. Prince William made TNT Sports pundits 'nervous' before viral interview at PSG vs Aston Villa clash And he was on the receiving end of a cheeky quip from one of his co-stars during the scene. Coyle said: "The experience was brilliant. Advertisement "Obviously some of the people who were in it, Robert Duvall, Michael Keaton, Cole Hauser from Yellowstone. "He was brilliant. He plays the young goalkeeper who was going to replace John Martin. "He was to get injured and Cole Hauser was to come in. Kelsey his character was. "But he'd never seen a football, never played soccer in his life. Advertisement "Anyway, we were filming at Kilmarnock and there was a corner coming in and John was going to come and punch it, collide with somebody and get injured. "And then Rip from Yellowstone would come in and be the goalkeeper." The football scenes were all filmed with pros, mostly Airdrie players at the time, and Coyle was keen to make sure he got plenty of screen time. So much so that, contrary to what he'd normally do at corner kicks, he decided he'd rush back to help out in defence. Advertisement Coyle's old Airdrie team mate Sandy Stewart noticed this and was quick to point it out. "'Whit you dain?"', I said 'I'm on the near post'. "Sandy said 'You've never came back for corners in your life!' "And I said 'Well I'm f****** back today!" Advertisement 7 Owen Coyle told the Open Goal podcast about his Hollywood experience 7 Coyle (centre) was part of the Kilnockie team Credit: UNITED INTERNATIONAL PICTURES 7 Cole Hauser in one of his scenes with McCoist Credit: UNITED INTERNATIONAL PICTURES 7 Hauser as he looks today Credit: Getty Advertisement Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
