Robert Duvall on The Apostle, Brando, Apocalypse Now & Why Hollywood Said No (1998)

We take a look at the past to shape our future. In 1998, Robert Duvall sat down with Charlie Rose fresh from screening "The Apostle" at the White House for President Clinton, discussing his passion project that Hollywood refused to make, forcing him to finance it himself. On showing the film to the Clintons: "He said he liked it. Then he gave me a tidbit. Hillary went to church for five years. She knows about this. When he was young and curious, he would go to these churches all over." Duvall reveals a 25-year obsession: "Through the years I always wanted to do a full-fledged character of a preacher. I was constantly going through the Bible. These genuinely are people who connect with God." On Hollywood's rejection: "Columbia said too much dialog. Everyone sees movies as commercial projects. They want to buy for free. Therefore you've got to finance it yourself." He put his own money into the film. On Billy Bob Thornton's involvement: "I knew he would come in without judging. In my past movies, actors would judge these people. But Billy covers the whole spectrum without judgment." The conversation spans his entire career: The Godfather ("Francis was fighting the studio"), working with Brando ("We started together in New York"), Apocalypse Now in the Philippines, his friendship with Gene Hackman, dancing tango in Argentina, and why he wants to work with Scorsese. On Brando: "We all, one time, I think for most American actors, younger, he was like a hero. Disappointed in the way it turned out. I don't understand why someone would have contempt for their work." GUEST: Robert Duvall, Actor, Writer, Director Interview from 1998 0:00 Introduction: Career montage 1:03 Screening at the White House 2:20 Clinton's church background 2:48 Southern churches: "Something special" 5:49 What grabbed him about preachers 6:44 25 years developing the idea 7:47 "Genuinely people who connect with God" 8:42 Clip: Arguing with God 11:35 The redemption story 12:28 Hollywood said "too much dialog" 13:29 Put his own money in 14:26 Billy Bob Thornton partnership 15:40 Clip: Billy Bob Thornton scene 17:37 Merle Haggard biopic plans 19:39 Writing the script longhand 21:10 "It was meant to be" 22:28 David Denby's praise 23:21 A Simple Plan with Billy Bob 24:40 Southern churches authenticity 26:14 Proud of Stalin performance 28:29 Finding something in evil characters 29:52 What makes great film: The script 31:13 Lonesome Dove legacy 33:00 Tango in Argentina 34:51 Tango movie plans 36:02 "Gingerbread Man" clip 37:15 Wanting to work with Scorsese 38:18 Clip: "Tender Mercies" 39:48 "The Godfather" memories 40:22 Francis fighting the studio 41:13 Clip with Brando 42:27 Brando's contempt for acting 43:51 "I enjoy doing characters" 45:11 Father as influence 46:38 "The Great Santini" 48:38 "Apocalypse Now" memories 49:15 Finding the character 50:00 Philippines shoot with Coppola 51:21 Clip: "I love the smell of napalm" 53:23 What's next This interview captures one of America's greatest actors discussing his most personal film and a career spanning the golden age of cinema. History offers the clearest roadmap for our future. Film Discussion is a curated interview archive and conversation series presented by Occupy Cinema. We spotlight the minds behind the movies—actors, directors, writers, and cultural critics—through thoughtful interviews, archival footage, and contemporary conversations. From Broadway to global cinema, Film Discussion explores the craft, politics, and impact of storytelling on screen and stage. Join our community of 800+ filmmakers: https://occupycinema.com Instagram:   / filmdiscussion_   Facebook:   / filmdiscussionofficial   #TheApostle #RobertDuvall #1998Interview #CharlieRose #BillyBobThornton #TheGodfather #ApocalypseNow #Brando #Directing #FilmDiscussion #LookingBack