John Wayne’s controversial 1968 film, The Green Berets, captured the Vietnam War through a uniquely Hollywood lens. The primary camera used during filming was the Mitchell BNC (Blimped News Camera), a workhorse of the studio system known for its reliability and ability to produce high-quality 35mm footage.
The Indomitable Mitchell BNC: Hollywood’s Weapon of Choice
The Mitchell BNC, introduced in the early 1930s, represented a significant leap forward in filmmaking technology. Its blimped design (soundproofing) allowed for synchronous sound recording, a revolutionary development that freed filmmakers from the constraints of silent film. This made it the de facto standard for Hollywood productions throughout the mid-20th century. The Green Berets, despite being filmed during the transition to lighter, more portable cameras, still relied heavily on the BNC due to its reputation for durability, image quality, and compatibility with existing studio equipment.
The camera’s robust construction allowed it to withstand the often-challenging filming conditions, especially considering portions were shot on location. While not as agile as the later Arriflex cameras that became synonymous with war cinema, the BNC’s reputation for reliability was crucial. The film crew likely used multiple BNC bodies throughout the production, switching between them for different shots and angles.
Beyond the BNC, it’s important to recognize the role of other cinematic tools. Panavision lenses were almost certainly used to achieve the specific aesthetic John Wayne and his team sought. This ensured that the film looked suitably cinematic on the big screen. Lighting equipment, dollies, and other support systems were crucial in supporting the BNC and creating the final look of The Green Berets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Filming “The Green Berets”
Here are some common questions regarding the cinematography and filming of John Wayne’s The Green Berets, offering deeper insights into the technical aspects of the film’s production:
1. Why was the Mitchell BNC chosen over more modern cameras available at the time?
While cameras like the Arriflex were gaining popularity, the Mitchell BNC offered a proven track record and compatibility with established Hollywood infrastructure. The studio system was built around it. This reduced the risk of technical problems and allowed for a smoother production workflow, especially given the scale and complexity of The Green Berets. Switching to an entirely new camera system would have required retraining staff and potentially upgrading equipment, adding significant costs and delays.
2. What lenses were used with the Mitchell BNC to achieve the film’s visual style?
The specific lens combinations used on The Green Berets are difficult to ascertain with absolute certainty, but it’s highly probable that Panavision lenses were deployed, given their prevalence in Hollywood at the time. Panavision offered a wide range of high-quality lenses that provided the desired depth of field, sharpness, and overall image quality for a large-scale film production.
3. How did the filmmakers handle the challenges of filming on location in Southeast Asia and Fort Benning?
Filming on location presented logistical and environmental challenges. The crew likely utilized portable generators for power, employed robust camera support systems to stabilize the BNC on uneven terrain, and took precautions to protect the equipment from dust, humidity, and extreme temperatures. While some second unit footage might have employed lighter cameras for greater agility, the BNC remained the primary camera for principal photography.
4. What film stock was used, and how did it affect the final image?
The Green Berets was filmed on Eastman Color negative film, a common choice for Hollywood productions during that era. The specific Eastman stock number is uncertain, but it was likely one of the emulsions designed for outdoor shooting, balancing sharpness, color rendition, and grain. The film stock contributed to the film’s color palette and overall visual texture.
5. How was the film’s lighting designed to create a realistic and dramatic portrayal of the Vietnam War?
The lighting in The Green Berets varied depending on the scene, but generally aimed for a balance between realism and dramatic effect. Outdoor scenes were often shot in natural light, supplemented with reflectors and fill lights to reduce shadows and create a more even exposure. Indoor scenes utilized artificial lighting, including spotlights and softboxes, to shape the scene’s mood and highlight key elements.
6. Did the camera operators face any specific difficulties while operating the Mitchell BNC in combat or action sequences?
The BNC’s size and weight posed limitations during action sequences. While the camera was relatively mobile on a dolly, quick, handheld shots were more challenging. This likely necessitated careful planning and choreography to ensure that the camera operator could capture the necessary footage without compromising safety or image quality. Steadicams weren’t widely available, severely restricting dynamic, hand-held perspectives.
7. Were any special effects or visual tricks achieved through the camera itself?
While The Green Berets wasn’t known for its groundbreaking special effects, the Mitchell BNC was capable of basic in-camera effects, such as dissolves and fades. More complex effects, like explosions and aerial shots, were likely achieved using miniatures, practical effects, and post-production techniques.
8. How did the film’s aspect ratio contribute to the overall cinematic experience?
The Green Berets was filmed in the standard widescreen aspect ratio of the time, likely 2.35:1 (CinemaScope or Panavision). This wide format allowed for visually expansive compositions, capturing the scale of the Vietnam landscape and the breadth of the action sequences. It also helped to create a more immersive experience for the audience.
9. What role did the camera play in shaping the film’s propaganda message?
The camera itself doesn’t inherently dictate a film’s message, but camera angles, framing, and shot selection can all be used to influence the audience’s perception of events. In The Green Berets, heroic camera angles and dramatic close-ups of the American soldiers contributed to the film’s pro-war narrative. The camera consistently positioned the Green Berets in a positive light.
10. How did the cinematography of The Green Berets compare to other war films of the era?
Compared to earlier war films that emphasized realism, The Green Berets leaned more towards a stylized, Hollywood approach. While it attempted to depict the Vietnam War, it often romanticized the conflict and presented a sanitized version of reality. Films like Apocalypse Now (1979) and Platoon (1986), which followed later, took a much more critical and realistic approach to depicting the war’s brutality.
11. Is there any surviving behind-the-scenes footage or documentation that provides more details about the camera equipment used?
Unfortunately, detailed behind-the-scenes documentation regarding the specific camera equipment used on The Green Berets is relatively scarce. However, archival research at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences or similar institutions might yield additional information. Production stills and interviews with crew members can sometimes offer clues about the cameras and lenses employed.
12. How did technological advancements in filmmaking after The Green Berets change the way war films were made?
The introduction of lighter, more portable cameras like the Arriflex, along with Steadicam technology, revolutionized war filmmaking. These advancements allowed filmmakers to capture more dynamic and immersive footage, creating a greater sense of realism and immediacy. Subsequently, films shifted to a greater emphasis on on-location shooting, handheld cameras, and longer takes. This gave the films more authenticity.
Conclusion: A Legacy Viewed Through the Lens
The Green Berets, shot primarily with the venerable Mitchell BNC camera, remains a significant, albeit controversial, cinematic artifact of the Vietnam War era. While technological advancements have long surpassed the BNC’s capabilities, its role in shaping the visual language of mid-century Hollywood, and specifically in filming The Green Berets, is undeniable. Understanding the technical aspects of its production, including the camera and lenses used, provides valuable insights into the film’s overall aesthetic and its impact on the war film genre. The BNC, a silent witness to countless stories, helped John Wayne frame his perspective on a complex and divisive conflict.