The Costly Successes: ‘Apocalypse Now’ and ‘Cleopatra’
Two films, Apocalypse Now and Cleopatra, stand out as iconic and controversial examples in the history of filmmaking. Both were praised for their monumental impact, yet their incredible financial burdens forced their production companies into a perilous position.
Apocalypse Now
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, Apocalypse Now is a definite milestone in the history of war cinema. The film's soaring ambitions led to an almost unfathomable budget overrun, ultimately costing over $37 million. This staggering figure is far above the originally anticipated budget, making it one of the most lavishly produced films of its time.
Despite its scintillating cinematography and ground-breaking dialogues, the financial fallout of the film was catastrophic. The studio, Warner Bros., had to shoulder millions in losses due to the overruns. This didn't dampen the film's critical acclaim, however; Apocalypse Now consistently ranks among the greatest war movies ever made, recognized for its evocative scenes and profound storytelling.
The issues began early in production with the film experiencing several tropical storms, which necessitated repeated delays. Notably, famous stars such as Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen, and Robert Duvall, despite having high salaries, were not seen onscreen due to contract disputes and scripting delays. Their downtime led to them being paid for their inactivity, a near-disaster for both the stars and the studio.
Cleopatra
Produced in 1963 by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Cleopatra was mesmerizingly extravagant from a production standpoint, coming in at a whopping $44.2 million. The film's budget was so large that it nearly bankrupted its parent company, 20th Century-Fox.
However, the film's impact was not solely negative. In the early 1960s, 20th Century-Fox was all but battered by the cost of Cleopatra. The studio was pushed to the brink but was ultimately shaken out of its financial troubles by the success of another epic project, The Longest Day — a middle-budget, fast-paced black-and-white World War II film.
The contrasting fates of these two films offer a fascinating insight into the complexity of the film industry. While Apocalypse Now remains a beloved and critically acclaimed film, its financial burden has led to a legacy of caution for studios. Conversely, Cleopatra, despite its catastrophic cost, provided a financial lifeline to 20th Century-Fox, enabling it to weather financial storms and stave off possible dissolution. This duality of success and failure underscores the unpredictable nature of cinema.
Both films offer a visceral reminder of the delicate balance between creativity and fiscal responsibility in the film industry. They stand as monuments to the heights of cinematic achievement and the perils of spending beyond one's means. As such, they continue to fascinate film historians, enthusiasts, and industry professionals, making them timeless subjects of discussion and study.