The Dreamer and The Apocalypse

In “The Path to Paradise” by Sam Wasson, published by Jimenez Edizioni, delve into the six-decade career of visionary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, from the founding of American Zoetrope to his iconic works like The Godfather trilogy and Apocalypse Now. Wasson portrays Coppola not just as a successful director but as a dreamer grappling with setbacks and challenges.

The book’s second major chapter, “The Apocalypse”, delves into the tumultuous production of Apocalypse Now. The filming in the Philippines, spanning nearly a year and a half, was plagued by unfortunate events that forced the crew to endure prolonged stays in the jungle. Coppola risked everything for the film’s success, facing the brink of failure for American Zoetrope. The documentary “Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse” offers a behind-the-scenes look at the production’s challenges.

Sam Wasson, a renowned American film critic, brings his expertise to this insightful narrative. Prior to “The Path to Paradise,” Wasson penned other cinema essays, including “Breakfast with Audrey” and “The Big Goodbye.”