The two texts have very different settings and when viewing Apocalypse Now with the knowledge that it was based on Heart of Darkness, the viewer is in a very pre- determined mind frame. Apocalypse Now is filled with imagery designed to symbolise a state of existence as well as gory cow slaughtering. There is the risk that the intense imagery in the film can conflict with and dampen its vividness when the viewer attempts to relate what they see to the imagery which arose from Heart of Darkness.
The ideas behind the character of Marlow are similar. Heart of Darkness describes him at the beginning of the novel as "He had sunken cheeks, a yellow complexion, a straight back, an ascetic aspect, and, with his arms dropped, the palms of his hands outwards, resembled an idol." This description is associated with Buddha and hence there is a didactic atmosphere created around Marlow. At this stage there is an anonymous narrator telling the story, which causes disassociation between the reader and Marlow. Similarly, in Apocalypse Now when the calm Vietnamese jungle bursts into flames, Willard is superimposed. He is upside down and his face is almost the same yellow- red tinge as the inferno. The representation is similar as it depicts Marlow as a distant yet formidable character, basically, the audience knows Marlow must have a story behind the situation. .
The texts delve into the complexities of Marlow's character in equally intriguing ways. Both make the character subject to horrific trauma by making him witness to the insanity of both extents of existence. Heart of Darkness, and the nature of the novel form, makes it easier to describe Marlow's situation. However, the film has the advantage that it can display, through good cinematography and acting, his state of mind as well as Willard's effect within his surroundings. The image of Willard appearing inhuman, such as him emerging from the river; as well as images of him with shadows passing over his face, enhance the inner turmoil Willard is experiencing.