Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis is one of the most anticipated films of the year. It was one of the most talked about titles at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, where it had its world premiere and received polarizing reviews. Even before the premiere, there were reports that pointed to the director’s alleged abuse, which several crew members faced. In a new case Interview Francis spoke candidly with The Telegraph about his career, the making of the film he’s wanted to make for the past 40 years, and responded to the allegations. (Also read: Francis Ford Coppola opens up about allegations of abuse on Megalopolis set: ‘I’m not sentimental’)
What did Francis say?
During the interview Francis said, “You know, I always felt like I was a creation of Hollywood. I went there to see all the beautiful things they were making. I was so impressed by the place. I got to work for Roger Corman; I met Vincent Price. Now, Hollywood doesn’t want me no more. They’re the parent who rejects the unruly child – they made me, now they don’t want me. I understand that, but it still hurts my feelings. I accept it, but I can’t do that.”
About inheritance
The director also talked about how he views legacy in the industry, saying, “Legacy is seasonal. One minute you’re important, the next you’re forgotten, then half a century later you’re resurrected. What I’m looking for is not awards or money. It’s when young filmmakers who make something beautiful say ‘I wanted to make my film because I saw one of your films.’ Oh my god, it’s such a great thing to be part of that continuity.”
Addressing reports of his behavior on set during the production of Megalopolis, he added: “In Hollywood, the word chaotic just means ‘not what we’re used to’. What the studios do today is make Coca-Cola. They know they have a good chance of making money if the taste stays the same. But art is chaotic. When it’s efficient, something’s going wrong.”
More information
Last week, it was reported that Francis had taken legal action against a media outlet that published a story about his alleged misconduct on the set of the film in July. USA Today The director was reported to have filed a defamation suit in Los Angeles Superior Court against media outlet Variety and its executive editors who wrote the article. He denied the allegations of misconduct and requested $15 million in damages as well as a jury trial.
Megalopolis is self-financed by Francis, with a budget of around $120 million. It features a star-studded cast including Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, Giancarlo Esposito, Shia LaBeouf, Aubrey Plaza, Laurence Fishburne, Talia Shire and Jason Schwartzman. It will be released in US theaters on September 27.
