Despite one of the most chaotic productions in film history, one that could qualify as an odyssey of its own as depicted in Eleanor Coppola’s documentary Hearts Of Darkness, Francis Ford Coppola’s monomaniacal excesses resulted in one of American cinema’s towering achievements. Updating a Joseph Conrad novella to the Vietnam War, it follows Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) on a mission into the jungle to assassinate the rogue Colonel Kurtz (Marlon Brando). The increasing psychological darkness of Willard’s purpose and environment offers Coppola space to reflect on the price paid by warriors for the lives they lead.

Notes by Kevin Coyne.

Screening as part of the IFI’s Odysseys season throughout July.

Tickets for 70mm screenings of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey on sale now!