Martin Sheen's character (named after co-star Harrison Ford's sons Benjamin and Willard) is the film's narrator, just as Marlowe narrates most of Conrad's book. Sheen's voiceovers were added to the script by Michael Kerr – a journalist who covered the Vietnam War.

Sheen – who replaced Harvey Keitel in the role - cut his hand drunkenly punching a mirror during filming and had a heart attack.