Francis Ford Coppola Interview | 'The Godfather,' 'Apocalypse Now,' 'Megalopolis,' And More
Oct 4, 2024
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Francis Ford Coppola, the legendary filmmaker behind classics like 'The Godfather' and 'Apocalypse Now,' shares captivating stories from his illustrious career. He reveals how a small change saved 'The Godfather Part II' and discusses the tumultuous journey of 'Apocalypse Now.' Coppola reflects on inspiring future filmmakers, the importance of collaboration, and personal loss in artistry. He also gives insights into his latest film, 'Megalopolis,' featuring Adam Driver, and its unique narrative challenges. It's a masterclass in filmmaking wisdom!
Francis Ford Coppola reflects on the transformative impact of 1974's studio dynamics that enabled unprecedented artistic freedom for filmmakers.
In discussing 'Megalopolis,' Coppola shares his longstanding commitment to the project, emphasizing his personal investment and passion for storytelling over decades.
Coppola highlights the emotional significance of music in film, illustrating its role in enhancing audience engagement and adding depth to narratives.
Deep dives
Francis Ford Coppola's Legacy and New Film
Francis Ford Coppola discusses his long and influential career in the film industry, emphasizing the unique circumstances of 1974 that allowed filmmakers to produce groundbreaking works. His ability to create several masterpieces during this period was facilitated by shifting studio dynamics, which opened doors for innovative storytelling. Coppola highlights how these opportunities allowed directors like him, Scorsese, and Lucas to take risks, leading to iconic films that reshaped cinema. He contrasts this with today’s filmmaking landscape, where the creative environment is less forgiving, demonstrating a deep understanding of the evolution of the industry.
The Challenges of 'Megalopolis'
In discussing his latest film, 'Megalopolis,' Coppola reflects on the difficulties of bringing the project to life over the last four decades. The film explores grand themes with an ambitious scope, pulling from personal experiences and societal commentary. Coppola acknowledges the various obstacles and setbacks that have defined the timeline of its development, illustrating a filmmaker's passion that endures despite long delays. His willingness to invest personal funds and creative energy into the project illustrates his commitment to storytelling on a grand scale.
Musical Elements and Visual Style
Coppola expresses enthusiasm for integrating musical elements into his films, citing the unique approach of infusing 'Megalopolis' with significant musical sequences. This method brings a distinct and experimental flavor to the narrative, setting the film apart from his previous works. He draws parallels to the emotional weight of music in filmmaking, explaining how he strives to create meaningful connections between the visuals and the score. This inventive use of music aims to enhance the audience's experience and deepen their engagement with the film's themes.
Reflections on Artistry and Legacy
Coppola shares profound insights on the nature of artistic legacy and the transient nature of recognition in the film industry. He emphasizes that the true reward lies in inspiring future generations of filmmakers and creative minds. He reflects on moments of uncertainty and the importance of persevering through challenges, advocating for the idea that greatness is often only recognized over time. This perspective reveals a humility and awareness of the cyclical nature of artistic appreciation, urging artists to create for the sake of creation rather than legacy.
Embracing Change in Cinema
Coppola discusses the transformative changes occurring in filmmaking and the challenges that accompany them, especially in relation to journalism and studio systems. He highlights how these shifts impact the types of stories that can be told and the mediums through which they are delivered. Despite the difficulties, he maintains optimism about the future of cinema and the inevitable evolution of storytelling. His belief in the power of storytelling as a fundamental aspect of the human experience underscores his dedication to continued innovation in film.
We are honored to welcome Francis Ford Coppola on the show to discuss his work, from “The Godfather” to his new film “Megalopolis,” starring Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito and Nathalie Emmanuel. The legend shared a few incredible stories from his early masterpieces including a minor change to “The Godfather Part II” that saved it for audiences, “Apocalypse Now” being denied by the studio system, inspiring young filmmakers, Quentin Tarantino and more.
After the interview, Jake and Gabe dive into their reviews of “Megalopolis,” a wild, original film that defies explanation. If you’re as curious as they were to see for themselves, head to a theater near you and come back to the comments section with your thoughts.
After “Megalopolis” spoilers, Jake and Sean get into their thoughts on “Joker: Folie à Deux.” They eventually get into spoilers, with plenty of warning, so keep an ear out for those if you want to avoid them. Next week, Oscar-nominated “Joker” cinematographer Lawrence Sher joins us to discuss his staggering work on the new sequel.
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Timestamps (approx. only)
00:00 - Intro
6:15 - Francis Ford Coppola Interview
44:15 - ‘Megalopolis’ Reviews
53:04 - ‘Megalopolis’ Spoilers
1:03:52 - Spoilers: ‘Joker: Folie À Deux’ Review
1:19:42 - Outro
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