Here's What Martin Sheen Was Really Drinking In Apocalypse Now
"Apocaplyse Now" is a classic 1970's hit that followed Martin Sheen in the role of Captain Benjamin L Willard, a Vietnam soldier tasked with carrying out a covert mission in this classic war drama (via IMDB). In the film, Sheen acted across from big name actors Marlon Brando and Robert Duvall, and under the direction of the famed Francis Ford Coppola. Known for his method acting, Sheen went all-in on a classic scene where his character suffers a breakdown in a hotel room, smashing a mirror, and covering himself in blood (via Hollywood Reporter).
In the iconic scene, Sheen appears intoxicated, and in the years since filming it, he's been open with the fact that he was definitely drinking. The alcohol was real — and the blood was, too. "I had done that scene at bars, I had done that scene at home," Sheen said of his real-life breakdowns. "I had to come to grips with it. I had to exorcise that out of myself." To Coppola's credit, he tried to discontinue filming, but Sheen begged him to keep the camera's rolling.
Apocalypse Now as scripted but Martin Sheen's drinking wasn't
While Sheen's character may have been fictional, his drinking was very real. The now-sober actor has spoken up about the experience while referencing his son Charlie's very public struggle. Said Sheen, "I know what hell he's living in. I've had psychotic episodes in public. One of them was on camera – the opening scene of 'Apocalypse Now.' So I know what Charlie is going through, " (via Hollywood Reporter). While providing us with a very real performance as an actor, the experience itself was very real. Continues Sheen, "And when you do something like that, that is out of control, that's the most difficult thing. You have to have courage."
So while many movies use substitutes for food and beverages on set, you can bet that Sheen was drinking exactly what you'd expect in "Apocalpyse Now." In theses cases, we are fine with a little movie magic instead of dangerous habits in the name of authenticity.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).