Two months following accusations of inappropriate behavior on the set of “Megalopolis,” filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola is once again under scrutiny as new videos have surfaced that appear to validate these claims. The visuals, shared by Variety, were shot by a crew member and show the 85-year-old director attempting to kiss young extras amid the filming of a bustling nightclub scene.
The situation has raised numerous eyebrows, with sources from the set alleging that Coppola’s actions were unprofessional and disrupted filming. According to the Variety report, the director could be seen leaping up to hug and kiss several women during the shoot, frequently inserting himself into shots and consequently ruining them—a type of behavior the source described as unusual for a shoot of this magnitude.
“Megalopolis” is considered Coppola’s self-funded magnum opus, featuring prominent stars Adam Driver and Nathalie Emmanuel. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, competing for the prestigious Palme d’Or, and is scheduled for a theatrical release on September 27. Given the high profile of the project, these allegations have generated considerable controversy.
One critical aspect pointed out by the Variety report is the fact that Coppola financed the film’s considerable $120 million budget himself. This autonomy meant that the usual checks and balances typical in studio productions were absent. A source close to the production provided an alarming account: after multiple takes of the contentious scene, Coppola reportedly took to a microphone to announce, “Sorry, if I come up to you and kiss you. Just know it’s solely for my pleasure.” This admission has painted an even more disturbing picture of what might have been happening behind the scenes.
Despite repeated efforts to obtain a comment, a spokesperson for Coppola has refrained from addressing the videos or the reports. This silence, coupled with the graphic nature of the new footage, has only fueled additional speculation and concern among the film community and public alike.
The Guardian had also reported instances of Coppola’s alleged misconduct back in May, ahead of the Cannes premiere.
. At that time, the allegations were already causing ripples throughout the industry, but the emergence of these videos has given the claims a sharper edge.
The broader implications of these revelations could affect more than just the upcoming release of “Megalopolis.” The film industry’s ongoing reckoning with inappropriate behavior on set has led to stricter codes of conduct and more robust mechanisms for reporting and addressing misconduct. However, Coppola’s position as a self-funded director somewhat circumnavigates these newer, stricter industry standards.
For many, the revelation is particularly shocking because of Coppola’s stature in the world of cinema. A legendary figure, renowned for classics such as “The Godfather” trilogy and “Apocalypse Now,” his legacy now faces potential tarnishment. The independent nature of “Megalopolis” seemed like a passion project, but these controversies could cast a long shadow over it.
Moreover, the industry at large is watching closely to see how these allegations and corroborating videos will be handled. In a time where the #MeToo movement has brought about significant changes and heightened awareness about misconduct, the actions taken in response to these videos will also be scrutinized. Will financial power and independence provide a shield against repercussions, or will there be accountability regardless of stature and financial backing?
While some may call for separating the art from the artist, instances such as these underscore the intertwined nature of the two. The truth is, the actions on set ripple outward, impacting not just the individuals involved but also the audience’s perception of the work itself.
As the scheduled release date for “Megalopolis” approaches, it is clear that these allegations and the surfaced videos will continue to spark debate and possibly induce action from stakeholders within and outside the industry. Cinematic history, public opinion, and legal ramifications await the next developments in this unfolding story.
The controversy surrounding Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis” has taken an unexpected turn with these new video releases, putting the acclaimed director’s conduct in the spotlight. Whether or not these allegations will have enduring consequences on the film’s release and Coppola’s legacy remains to be seen.
