Apocalypse Now is a 1979 American war film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, loosely inspired by Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness and set during the Vietnam War. Starring Martin Sheen as Captain Willard on a mission upriver, the film became famous for its surreal atmosphere, psychological intensity and quotable lines. Short audio clips from the film circulated widely on soundboards and in meme edits because its grave tone contrasts humorously with everyday situations, turning minor problems into mock-epic moments.