The Infamous "Patrol Boat" Scene: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Apocalypse Now's Omitted Moment

The film "Apocalypse Now," directed by Francis Ford Coppola and released in 1979, is widely regarded as a cinematic masterpiece. One of the most iconic images from the movie – a patrol boat crew enjoying a raucous party – was ultimately cut from the final version of the film.

The Origins of the Scene

The scene, which depicts the crew of a patrol boat engaged in a carefree celebration, is often referred to as one of the most memorable and humorous moments in the film. However, it never made it into the released version of "Apocalypse Now."

According to various sources, including interviews with the film's crew members, the scene was intended for inclusion in the final cut of the movie. The story goes that the producers felt the scene would provide a welcome respite from the intense and often disturbing content that follows.

What Happened During Filming?

During pre-production for "Apocalypse Now," director Francis Ford Coppola began scouting locations to film the pivotal battle scenes between American forces and North Vietnamese forces in Cambodia. As part of this process, he chose the remote island of Tahiti as the location for a key patrol boat scene.

Filmed on April 5, 1977, with a small crew consisting of only three actors playing multiple roles – including Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore (played by Robert Duvall), Corporal Murchison (played by Fredd Wayne), and Captain Willard's boat pilot, John "Bull" Ransom (played by Luke Askew) – the sequence was shot in a single take.

The original intention for the scene was to showcase the camaraderie among the crew members as they relaxed on board the patrol boat. The segment features Lieutenant Colonel Kilgore delivering an impassioned speech about the importance of "cutting off their heads!" while engaged in a raucous and playful celebration with his comrades.

How Did it End Up in Redux?

In 2001, Coppola released a director's cut version of "Apocalypse Now," which featured several previously omitted scenes. The patrol boat scene was one of the most eagerly anticipated additions to this special edition release.

The inclusion of this previously unseen sequence marked an interesting twist in the film's history – it became clear that even Coppola himself had initially considered including the scene in the final version of the movie.

What Does This Scene Say About the Film?

While not part of the released "Apocalypse Now" cut, this earlier iteration provides a fascinating glimpse into the creative choices made during production and post-production. It showcases how Coppola balanced humor with the darker themes that dominate the film.

The "Patrol Boat" scene also speaks to the complexity and experimentation inherent in the filmmaking process. Even for directors like Coppola who are known for meticulous planning, unexpected events can lead to alterations and changes throughout production.

Conclusion

The omission of the patrol boat scene from the final cut of "Apocalypse Now" raises interesting questions about editing decisions and their impact on cinematic masterpieces. Its subsequent inclusion in the Redux version serves as a testament to Coppola's willingness to revisit and revise his work over time.

Through its portrayal of camaraderie, even amidst chaos and uncertainty, this scene offers an insight into the emotional depths that often accompany military conflicts.