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How Did Apocalypse Now Influence The Representation Of War In Vietnam

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Introduction The Vietnam War was a controversial military conflict between 1955 to 1975 between the communist forces of Northern Vietnam and the United States who supported the anti-communist government. The representation of war within popular media has played a pivotal role in the framing of public perception and historical memory. The legacy of the Vietnam War remains a significant historical event pushing for debates and discussions as seen in popular culture such as literature, music and film. This essay aims to explore in which ways do American films about the Vietnam war reflect historical contexts and influence the portrayal of War within Western society. The text “Warrior Nation” describes visual aspects to have “enormous power in …show more content…

American films regarding the Vietnam War are much more popular and produced than those of other nations. Apocalypse Now directed by Francis Ford Coppola is a good example of neglecting the perspectives of the Vietnamese people whilst illustrating a notion of Western imperialism and expansionism. Apocalypse Now emphasizes the presence of American influence within Southeast Asia. Apocalypse now highlights a narrative of American colonialism as seen in scenes where a Catholic church is built in the remnants of a war destroyed village. Other non-traditional means of colonialism is seen in scenes where untamed parties are held during the war whilst Vietnamese people are kept behind fences. Further materialistic tendencies are presented within the film through trading of cigarettes and motorbikes between soldiers. Through these Americanised images, the film underscores an idea that the military is trying to create a resemblance of America within Vietnam. Apocalypse Now creates a sense of detachment from the reality of war. The film reflects images of recreational activities that include playing American football and surfing, in a way establishing an atmosphere of a vacation. Films such as Apocalypse Now create this false imagery of wartime being fun and avoids the gruesome depictions of violence. This may alter the view that viewers may have on war or cause offense to those who …show more content…

American films regarding the Vietnam War have a strong connection to their attitudes, views and overall emotions that were present during the time that they were produced. War films serve as a reflection of historical memories that shape public perception and views of the war through their various depictions of events, characters and themes. Movies about the Vietnam war such as Platoon, Apocalypse Now, Full Metal Jacket and Jarhead explore the notions of moral ambiguity, disillusionment and a feeling of betrayal by the government. These films have gone against traditional movies that romanticize soldiers and provide the feeling of nationalism. These films in different ways continue to challenge the actions of the American government and. However, it is crucial to understand and acknowledge the different biases of a producer that may shape the representation of war in these films. Producers' personal beliefs, experiences and artistic choices may impact the way in which narratives, characters and the tone of the movie is presented. Films priorities are to entertain the masses and garner commercial success. They may dramatize or simplify key events to better fit their narrative that they are pursuing, potentially distorting the harsh reality of war and how it should be remembered. Therefore, viewers should be

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