Marlon Brando’s weight gain for his role in Apocalypse Now was primarily due to his lack of preparation and commitment to the role. When Brando arrived on location in Manila, he was significantly overweight, which posed a challenge for director Francis Ford Coppola. This unexpected weight gain forced Coppola to make some modifications to his original plan for Brando’s character, Colonel Walter E. Kurtz.
Coppola had envisioned Kurtz as a lean and physically imposing figure, someone who would command respect and embody the enigmatic nature of the character. However, Brando’s weight gain made it impossible to portray Kurtz in this way. Instead, Coppola had to find creative ways to downplay Brando’s weight and still maintain the essence of the character.
One of the techniques Coppola employed was dressing Brando in black throughout the film. Wearing black is known to have a slimming effect, and by doing so, Coppola aimed to visually minimize Brando’s size. Additionally, the use of shadows and silhouettes in the cinematography helped to obscure Brando’s physicality and create a sense of mystery around Kurtz.
By focusing on Brando’s face and utilizing close-ups, Coppola could highlight the intensity and complexity of Kurtz’s character, shifting the audience’s attention away from his weight. Brando’s captivating performances and powerful dialogue delivery further helped to divert attention from his physical appearance.
It is worth noting that Brando had a history of weight fluctuations throughout his career. In some instances, his weight gain or loss was deliberate for specific roles, while in others, it may have been a result of personal issues or lifestyle choices. Regardless of the reasons behind his weight gain for Apocalypse Now, Coppola and his team had to adapt and find creative solutions to work around Brando’s physical condition.
Marlon Brando’s weight gain for his role in Apocalypse Now presented a challenge for director Francis Ford Coppola. To downplay Brando’s weight, Coppola employed various techniques such as dressing him in black, utilizing shadows and silhouettes, and focusing on his face. Despite the initial setback, these creative choices helped to maintain the enigmatic and mysterious nature of Colonel Kurtz’s character.