Francis Ford Coppola, the legendary filmmaker behind classics like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, shares his ambitious journey in cinema. He reminisces about the long development of his modern epic, Megalopolis, and the artistic influences of Méliès and Tati. Coppola reflects on his childhood spirit and the evolution of his identity in filmmaking. The conversation touches on the risks he’s willing to take for his art, the importance of personal loss in his creative process, and his thoughts on America's future.
Coppola's dedication to revolutionizing filmmaking is evident from his co-founding of Zoetrope Studios, which aimed to challenge the traditional Hollywood system.
He highlights the inherent financial risks of pursuing ambitious projects, equating the creative process to gambling on one's artistic aspirations.
Through his reflections on personal grief and loss, Coppola reveals how emotional experiences significantly influence his creative endeavors, particularly in 'Megalopolis.'
Deep dives
The Influence of Francis Ford Coppola
Francis Ford Coppola's cinematic journey began in the early 1960s, where he evolved from an apprentice under Roger Corman to a titan of the film industry. His breakthrough came with acclaimed works like 'The Godfather' and 'Apocalypse Now,' which not only showcased his storytelling prowess but also reflected his unique vision and ambition to revolutionize filmmaking. Coppola's co-founding of Zoetrope Productions aimed to challenge the traditional Hollywood studio system, offering a fresh platform for innovative filmmakers. This desire to pave the way for new voices in cinema is a recurring theme in his career, showcasing his commitment to artistic integrity and groundbreaking narratives.
The Financial Gamble of Creativity
Coppola's ambitious projects often came at a significant personal cost, particularly seen in his self-funding of 'Apocalypse Now' and more recently, 'Megalopolis,' which he invested $120 million into. He discusses how such financial risks are inherent to the creative process, equating the act of making art to gambling, where not pursuing high aspirations yields a loss regardless of outcome. This belief in 'betting on oneself' is underscored by the sacrifices he has made over the years, wherein he emphasizes that true artistry cannot exist without risk. His cinematic journey exemplifies a relentless pursuit of monumental projects, regardless of the surrounding financial uncertainty.
Exploring Humanity and Genius
In 'Megalopolis,' Coppola presents a narrative that dives into philosophical inquiries about society, governance, and the nature of human creativity. He likens the film's premise to historical debates over visions for societal evolution, with characters representing conflicting ideologies about progress and stability. Central to Coppola's vision is the belief in humanity's inherent genius, juxtaposed against the darker aspects of human behavior influenced by external socio-political forces. He argues that the narratives we receive are often manipulated by those in power, suggesting a reevaluation of who truly holds the creative authority in society.
A Personal Reflection on Loss
Coppola candidly reflects on personal grief, particularly following the death of his wife, Eleanor, who significantly shaped his personal and professional life. Her memory and contributions resonate in his work, with 'Megalopolis' being dedicated to her. This loss deeply impacts his creative process, yet serves as a driving force that propels him toward his artistic endeavors even at an advanced age. Through discussions of love and loss, Coppola demonstrates how personal experiences intertwine with artistic expression, illuminating the emotional depth often found in his films.
The Future of Film and Filmmaking
Coppola remains optimistic about the future of filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of making space for new filmmakers despite recognizing challenges within the current industry landscape. He critiques the lack of funding opportunities for emerging talent, reflecting a desire for a more supportive environment for innovative storytelling. In looking toward his next projects, he expresses a longing to continue creating original narratives while mentoring the next generation of filmmakers. Coppola's enduring passion for cinema and belief in the transformative power of film suggest that he will remain a central figure in the evolution of the art form.
Director Francis Ford Coppola doesn’t just want to make movies. He wants to change them. This was true in 1969 when he co-founded Zoetrope Studios with George Lucas, and it remains true today at age 85.
We begin with the historical context of his modern-day Roman epic fable Megalopolis (9:40), his decades-long process developing the film (12:18), and the inspiration he’s taken from Georges Méliès (22:25) and Jacques Tati (24:59). Then, Coppola reflects on the origin of how he became ‘Francis Ford Coppola’ (29:27), the irrepressible spirit he forged in childhood (32:34), and where he sees himself in films like The Godfather (38:29), Apocalypse Now (41:48), and Gardens of Stone (42:17).
On the back-half, we unpack the parallels between the titular city of Megalopolis and Zoetrope Studios (50:19), his capacity to keep dreaming, even in the face of financial ruin (53:46), where he believes America is headed in 2025 (54:29), and the lasting memory of his late wife, Eleanor (1:03:25).
