After a stint as an obnoxious, loud American in The White Lotus, Theo James wanted to challenge himself by playing someone totally different. Enter Eddie Horniman, the reserved, British Duke thrown into an aristocratic weed-growing empire in Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series The Gentlemen. Not only was this an opportunity for a Godfather-style ascension story and a chance to work with the Lock, Stock director, but James was also excited to take some pot shots at the gentry that owns so much British land — much to the bemusement of the real-life Duke of Beaufort, whose estate was the location for the shoot.
Deadline: What got you interested in The Gentlemen role?
Theo James: I love ascension stories. I’ve always found them really gratifying as an audience member, someone who starts off at one place and evolves into another. I also like the parallels. We talked with Guy and the writers,...
Deadline: What got you interested in The Gentlemen role?
Theo James: I love ascension stories. I’ve always found them really gratifying as an audience member, someone who starts off at one place and evolves into another. I also like the parallels. We talked with Guy and the writers,...
- 5/30/2024
- by Ryan Fleming
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscar-nominated producer Albert S. Ruddy, who died at the end of May 2024, was one of only nine producers to earn two or more Best Picture Academy Awards, and he won them within the longest historical interval of 32 years. Ruddy was awarded for his work on The Godfather (1972) as well as Million Dollar Baby (2004).
His experience making The Godfather became subject of the Paramount+ miniseries The Offer, in which Miles Teller portrayed Ruddy and his experience adapting Mario Puzo’s best-selling novel under Francis Ford Coppola’s direction.
Before his big-screen hits, Ruddy co-created Hogan’s Heroes, a sitcom that followed Allied prisoners in a Nazi Pow camp, with Bernie Fein.
Scroll through the photos below for a look at Ruddy’s career from The Godfather to Walker.
His experience making The Godfather became subject of the Paramount+ miniseries The Offer, in which Miles Teller portrayed Ruddy and his experience adapting Mario Puzo’s best-selling novel under Francis Ford Coppola’s direction.
Before his big-screen hits, Ruddy co-created Hogan’s Heroes, a sitcom that followed Allied prisoners in a Nazi Pow camp, with Bernie Fein.
Scroll through the photos below for a look at Ruddy’s career from The Godfather to Walker.
- 5/28/2024
- by Dessi Gomez
- Deadline Film + TV
Albert S Ruddy, the Hollywood film and television producer who earned best picture Academy Awards for both The Godfather and Million Dollar Baby, has died peacefully following a brief illness. He was 94.
Born in Montreal and raised in New York City, Ruddy began his entertainment career as creator, with Bernie Fein, of sixties TV sitcom Hogan’s Heroes. He produced features including Robert Redford drama Little Fauss And Big Halsy before being brought in by Paramount as sole producer of Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather, for which he won his first Oscar in 1973.
Ruddy later served as executive producer on The Offer,...
Born in Montreal and raised in New York City, Ruddy began his entertainment career as creator, with Bernie Fein, of sixties TV sitcom Hogan’s Heroes. He produced features including Robert Redford drama Little Fauss And Big Halsy before being brought in by Paramount as sole producer of Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather, for which he won his first Oscar in 1973.
Ruddy later served as executive producer on The Offer,...
- 5/28/2024
- ScreenDaily
Hollywood is reeling from the death of Al S. Ruddy, the Oscar-winning producer of such iconic films as The Godfather and Million Dollar Baby. Ruddy passed on May 25 at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center after a brief illness. The multi-hyphenate filmmaker was 94.
“Al was truly one of the great Hollywood mavericks,” The Offer director Dexter Fletcher said in a statement. “One of the last Mohicans who created great movies which still influence and inspire to this day. From humble beginnings to the highest of Hollywood accolades. His was an incredible journey. Achieved through the sheer power of his determination, strong will, irrepressible energy and charm and a rarely matched love for the art of film.”
Fletcher’s Paramount+ miniseries The Offer chronicles the making of Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather. It stars Miles Teller as Ruddy and immortalizes the visionary producer’s meticulous work on the 1972 classic.
For his feature debut,...
“Al was truly one of the great Hollywood mavericks,” The Offer director Dexter Fletcher said in a statement. “One of the last Mohicans who created great movies which still influence and inspire to this day. From humble beginnings to the highest of Hollywood accolades. His was an incredible journey. Achieved through the sheer power of his determination, strong will, irrepressible energy and charm and a rarely matched love for the art of film.”
Fletcher’s Paramount+ miniseries The Offer chronicles the making of Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather. It stars Miles Teller as Ruddy and immortalizes the visionary producer’s meticulous work on the 1972 classic.
For his feature debut,...
- 5/28/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
It feels like the world of cinema is really reaching newer heights by delving more into traditional roots. Francis Ford Coppola, the director known for The Godfather trilogy, recently released a film titled Megalopolis that took him 40 years to make!
Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina in Megalopolis | American Zoetrope
On the other hand, another notable director, Richard Linklater, revealed that he will be busy shooting a film for the next 17 years! With a story that spans a number of years, Linklater’s statements are truly incredible!
Richard Linklater’s Film Will Be Shot In Real-Time!
From what little information there is to know, it seems that Richard Linklater is truly on the brink of something wonderful. With movies that take years and decades to make, Linklater is all set to join veteran director Francis Ford Coppola on the list of directors who took the longest time to make a film.
Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina in Megalopolis | American Zoetrope
On the other hand, another notable director, Richard Linklater, revealed that he will be busy shooting a film for the next 17 years! With a story that spans a number of years, Linklater’s statements are truly incredible!
Richard Linklater’s Film Will Be Shot In Real-Time!
From what little information there is to know, it seems that Richard Linklater is truly on the brink of something wonderful. With movies that take years and decades to make, Linklater is all set to join veteran director Francis Ford Coppola on the list of directors who took the longest time to make a film.
- 5/28/2024
- by Visarg Acharya
- FandomWire
Al Ruddy, two-time Oscar winner for producing “The Godfather” and “Million Dollar Baby,” died May 25 at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. Ruddy was also co-creator of “Hogan’s Heroes” and of “Walker, Texas Ranger.” He was 94.
After the success of sitcom “Hogan’s Heroes,” Ruddy went on to produce “Little Fauss and Big Halsy” and “Making It” before coming on to Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather,” which was nominated for 11 Academy Awards.
Al Pacino said in a statement, “Al Ruddy was absolutely beautiful to me the whole time on ‘The Godfather’; even when they didn’t want me, he wanted me. He gave me the gift of encouragement when I needed it most and I’ll never forget it.”
After “The Godfather,” he produced his own story treatment for “The Longest Yard.”
Ruddy went on to produce notable films including “The Cannonball Run.” Other features he produced included “Matilda,” “Coonskin,...
After the success of sitcom “Hogan’s Heroes,” Ruddy went on to produce “Little Fauss and Big Halsy” and “Making It” before coming on to Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather,” which was nominated for 11 Academy Awards.
Al Pacino said in a statement, “Al Ruddy was absolutely beautiful to me the whole time on ‘The Godfather’; even when they didn’t want me, he wanted me. He gave me the gift of encouragement when I needed it most and I’ll never forget it.”
After “The Godfather,” he produced his own story treatment for “The Longest Yard.”
Ruddy went on to produce notable films including “The Cannonball Run.” Other features he produced included “Matilda,” “Coonskin,...
- 5/28/2024
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
Albert S. Ruddy, who earned two Best Picture Oscars for producing The Godfather and Million Dollar Baby and co-created TV shows including Walker, Texas Ranger and Hogan’s Heroes, died May 25 at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center after a brief illness, a family spokesman said. He was 94.
Ruddy is one of nine producers ever to earn two or more Best Picture Oscars, and has the distinction of winning them with the largest interval in between — 32 years.
He recently was portrayed by Miles Teller in the Paramount+ miniseries The Offer, which chronicles Ruddy’s experience making the 1972 film that Coppola directed and adapted with Mario Puzo from the latter’s bestselling novel.
Related: Peter Bart: ‘The Offer’ Spins A Mafia Tale About ‘The Godfather’ That’s Really More Fiction Than Fact
“Al was truly one of the great Hollywood mavericks,” The Offer director Dexter Fletcher said in a statement. “One of...
Ruddy is one of nine producers ever to earn two or more Best Picture Oscars, and has the distinction of winning them with the largest interval in between — 32 years.
He recently was portrayed by Miles Teller in the Paramount+ miniseries The Offer, which chronicles Ruddy’s experience making the 1972 film that Coppola directed and adapted with Mario Puzo from the latter’s bestselling novel.
Related: Peter Bart: ‘The Offer’ Spins A Mafia Tale About ‘The Godfather’ That’s Really More Fiction Than Fact
“Al was truly one of the great Hollywood mavericks,” The Offer director Dexter Fletcher said in a statement. “One of...
- 5/28/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Al Ruddy, who co-created the famed CBS sitcom Hogan’s Heroes, then captured Academy Awards for producing the best picture winners The Godfather and Million Dollar Baby, has died. He was 94.
Ruddy, also credited as one of the creators of the long-running CBS police drama Walker, Texas Ranger, died Saturday following a brief illness at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, a publicist announced.
On the heels of The Godfather (1972), Ruddy produced another box-office hit with the original The Longest Yard (1974), the prison-set football movie that starred Burt Reynolds. The pair then reteamed for the action road films The Cannonball Run (1981) and its 1984 sequel, both directed by stuntman-turned-helmer Hal Needham.
The personable Ruddy also produced such films as Bad Girls (1994), the first Western with all female leads (Madeleine Stowe, Mary Stuart Masterson, Andie MacDowell and Drew Barrymore); the baseball comedy The Scout (1994), starring Albert Brooks and Brendan Fraser; and Matilda (1978), a comedy...
Ruddy, also credited as one of the creators of the long-running CBS police drama Walker, Texas Ranger, died Saturday following a brief illness at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, a publicist announced.
On the heels of The Godfather (1972), Ruddy produced another box-office hit with the original The Longest Yard (1974), the prison-set football movie that starred Burt Reynolds. The pair then reteamed for the action road films The Cannonball Run (1981) and its 1984 sequel, both directed by stuntman-turned-helmer Hal Needham.
The personable Ruddy also produced such films as Bad Girls (1994), the first Western with all female leads (Madeleine Stowe, Mary Stuart Masterson, Andie MacDowell and Drew Barrymore); the baseball comedy The Scout (1994), starring Albert Brooks and Brendan Fraser; and Matilda (1978), a comedy...
- 5/28/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Among the many mafia gangster films made across the world, throughout the history of cinema, Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather trilogy will forever remain the most iconic. With a screenplay by Mario Puzo and starring an incredible ensemble cast involving Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, and more, the movies now occupy a distinct place in Hollywood’s Hall of Fame.
Al Pacino and Marlon Brando in The Godfather | Paramount Pictures
Even after all these decades, the trilogy serves as an inspiration to many, proving its outstanding legacy. Often, a few details from the set are revealed, bringing the movies back into the limelight. Recently, after the release of The Godfather trilogy on 4K Uhd for its 50th anniversary, the cast and movies are back in discussion for their antics on set.
The Godfather Cast Loved to Moon Each Other on Set
A scene from Francis Ford Coppola’s...
Al Pacino and Marlon Brando in The Godfather | Paramount Pictures
Even after all these decades, the trilogy serves as an inspiration to many, proving its outstanding legacy. Often, a few details from the set are revealed, bringing the movies back into the limelight. Recently, after the release of The Godfather trilogy on 4K Uhd for its 50th anniversary, the cast and movies are back in discussion for their antics on set.
The Godfather Cast Loved to Moon Each Other on Set
A scene from Francis Ford Coppola’s...
- 5/28/2024
- by Maria Sultan
- FandomWire
Only a few films have managed to do what The Godfather did. The 1972 film by Francis Ford Coppola starring Al Pacino is one of the greatest and most influential films of all time and you cannot have a conversation about Hollywood’s best works without mentioning it. Everything from the cinematography and direction to the cast and storyline was absolute perfection.
A still from The Godfather (1972) | Paramount Pictures
While the film went on to become a cultural phenomenon, there was no way the cast and crew could have guessed the level of impact The Godfather would go on to make. However, Al Pacino once recalled a moment from the set involving Francis Ford Coppola which made him realize just what a gem of a film he was in.
When Al Pacino Stumbled Across a Distressed Francis Ford Coppola Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in The Godfather | Paramount Pictures
Al Pacino...
A still from The Godfather (1972) | Paramount Pictures
While the film went on to become a cultural phenomenon, there was no way the cast and crew could have guessed the level of impact The Godfather would go on to make. However, Al Pacino once recalled a moment from the set involving Francis Ford Coppola which made him realize just what a gem of a film he was in.
When Al Pacino Stumbled Across a Distressed Francis Ford Coppola Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in The Godfather | Paramount Pictures
Al Pacino...
- 5/27/2024
- by Mishkaat Khan
- FandomWire
Al Pacino ruled the screens from the 70s up to the 90s with many acclaimed works and performances that won him various awards. The 70s were the seminal decade for the actor that established him as a bankable movie star. Films like Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon, and …And Justice for All proved that Pacino was a force to be reckoned with.
Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in The Godfather | Paramount Pictures
The most popular films that Pacino participated in during the decade were the two Godfather films in 1972 and 1974. However, when the first Godfather was made, Pacino was a young actor and did not know how to execute certain notes from director Francis Ford Coppola. The actor thought that Coppola was extremely disappointed by casting him as Michael Corleone.
Al Pacino’s Incompetence Led Him To Believe He was Ruining The Godfather
Al Pacino was unable to improvise during the...
Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in The Godfather | Paramount Pictures
The most popular films that Pacino participated in during the decade were the two Godfather films in 1972 and 1974. However, when the first Godfather was made, Pacino was a young actor and did not know how to execute certain notes from director Francis Ford Coppola. The actor thought that Coppola was extremely disappointed by casting him as Michael Corleone.
Al Pacino’s Incompetence Led Him To Believe He was Ruining The Godfather
Al Pacino was unable to improvise during the...
- 5/27/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
Legendary actor James Caan was known for his role as Sonny Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather. The actor received an Academy Award nomination for his role as Don’s eldest son and was often regarded as one of the greatest actors of the generation. Caan also starred in films such as Misery, The Gambler, and Elf.
Caan has also turned down many noted roles that turned out to be game-changers for the actors who ended up playing them. Among films such as The French Connection and Apocalypse Now, Caan was rumored to be offered the role of Han Solo in Star Wars. While Harrison Ford played the iconic character, Caan reportedly had a crude response to it.
James Caan’s Crude Response To Harrison Ford Playing Han Solo Harrison Ford in Star Wars: A New Hope | Credits: Lucasfilm Ltd./20th Century Fox
Harrison Ford’s role as...
Caan has also turned down many noted roles that turned out to be game-changers for the actors who ended up playing them. Among films such as The French Connection and Apocalypse Now, Caan was rumored to be offered the role of Han Solo in Star Wars. While Harrison Ford played the iconic character, Caan reportedly had a crude response to it.
James Caan’s Crude Response To Harrison Ford Playing Han Solo Harrison Ford in Star Wars: A New Hope | Credits: Lucasfilm Ltd./20th Century Fox
Harrison Ford’s role as...
- 5/26/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Established in 1977 with Episode IV – A New Hope, the Star Wars saga has gained a tremendous edge in the industry to be regarded as one of the greatest franchises in cinematic history. If anything, it has immaculately succeeded in creating the atomic age of cinema and winning the hearts of millions of fans worldwide with its brilliant masterpiece of a storyline.
The Star Wars lore. | Credit: StarWars.com.
However, many don’t know that this absolutely breathtaking universe from a figment of George Lucas’ imagination actually would have never made its way to the public had one other project of the mastermind gotten the greenlight: A movie adaptation of the comic strip Flash Gordon. Thankfully, Lucas faced rejection from that and ended up giving birth to a saga that created history.
Star Wars Came About Because George Lucas’ Flash Gordon Film Fell Apart
People say when one door closes, another...
The Star Wars lore. | Credit: StarWars.com.
However, many don’t know that this absolutely breathtaking universe from a figment of George Lucas’ imagination actually would have never made its way to the public had one other project of the mastermind gotten the greenlight: A movie adaptation of the comic strip Flash Gordon. Thankfully, Lucas faced rejection from that and ended up giving birth to a saga that created history.
Star Wars Came About Because George Lucas’ Flash Gordon Film Fell Apart
People say when one door closes, another...
- 5/26/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
Imagine dipping into a time capsule and emerging with a slice of cinematic history—could there be a more thrilling comeback? That is the electrifying sensation we are getting as Billy Zane is working hard to play Marlon Brando.
Billy, 58, sported no shirt in one of the photos of his upcoming biopic, Waltzing with Brando, where he can be seen assuming the role of the renowned Hollywood star. Have you seen the transformation? The resemblance is uncanny, leaving us with goosebumps and high hopes.
Fans are abuzz, likening Zane’s potential resurgence to Brendan Fraser’s heartwarming comeback with The Whale, and we can’t help but agree. The hours of meticulous research, pouring over Brando’s classic performances and mannerisms, and silent anticipation have all led up to this moment.
Billy Zane on the set of Marlon Brando’s biopic | Instagram: @billyzane
The Return of Billy Zane: A...
Billy, 58, sported no shirt in one of the photos of his upcoming biopic, Waltzing with Brando, where he can be seen assuming the role of the renowned Hollywood star. Have you seen the transformation? The resemblance is uncanny, leaving us with goosebumps and high hopes.
Fans are abuzz, likening Zane’s potential resurgence to Brendan Fraser’s heartwarming comeback with The Whale, and we can’t help but agree. The hours of meticulous research, pouring over Brando’s classic performances and mannerisms, and silent anticipation have all led up to this moment.
Billy Zane on the set of Marlon Brando’s biopic | Instagram: @billyzane
The Return of Billy Zane: A...
- 5/25/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
After a stellar 1989, the Hollywood box office of 1990 was expected to be even better – but the film industry got taught some tough lessons.
Browsing the worldwide box office charts for 1989, and many a major studio executive would have been stroking their chin with some degree of comfort. The same old was working. The new things were working. Everything was getting better. The Christmas party was clearly going to be on the impressive side.
What 1989 had proven, after all, was the growing feeling that big stuff worked too. Tim Burton’s Batman had firmly introduced the idea of the huge opening weekend at the box office, and that a movie could become a cultural phenomenon. That patrons would leave the cinema and promptly seek out the soundtrack, the computer game, the book, the T-shirt, the novelty undercrackers.
But it wasn’t just Batman. 1989 proved to Hollywood that, for the most part,...
Browsing the worldwide box office charts for 1989, and many a major studio executive would have been stroking their chin with some degree of comfort. The same old was working. The new things were working. Everything was getting better. The Christmas party was clearly going to be on the impressive side.
What 1989 had proven, after all, was the growing feeling that big stuff worked too. Tim Burton’s Batman had firmly introduced the idea of the huge opening weekend at the box office, and that a movie could become a cultural phenomenon. That patrons would leave the cinema and promptly seek out the soundtrack, the computer game, the book, the T-shirt, the novelty undercrackers.
But it wasn’t just Batman. 1989 proved to Hollywood that, for the most part,...
- 5/24/2024
- by Simon Brew
- Film Stories
The Megalopolis parties and debates last week generously fed Cannes’ appetite for media buzz. Fest-goers were reminded that Francis Coppola’s journey had been a thrill ride for those who witnessed it, invested in it or were impacted by its turmoil.
The auteur was trailed all week by fans and family, many having survived the melodramatic ordeals of One from the Heart, the operatic intrigues of Apocalypse Now and finally the utopian fever dream titled Megalopolis, which he financed by putting $120 million of his own money on the line.
All represented a defiant challenge to the pre-algorithmic definitions of risk and reward. But one long-term participant in the Coppola drama was a non-presence in Cannes last week — though he is receiving an honorary Palme d’Or on Saturday.
He’s George Lucas, the billionaire nerd from Modesto who in former years contributed a discipline and order to their company’s (Zoetrope) unruly landscape.
The auteur was trailed all week by fans and family, many having survived the melodramatic ordeals of One from the Heart, the operatic intrigues of Apocalypse Now and finally the utopian fever dream titled Megalopolis, which he financed by putting $120 million of his own money on the line.
All represented a defiant challenge to the pre-algorithmic definitions of risk and reward. But one long-term participant in the Coppola drama was a non-presence in Cannes last week — though he is receiving an honorary Palme d’Or on Saturday.
He’s George Lucas, the billionaire nerd from Modesto who in former years contributed a discipline and order to their company’s (Zoetrope) unruly landscape.
- 5/23/2024
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
Francis Ford Coppola made one of the greatest crime films ever when he adapted Mario Puzo’s The Godfather. The Marlon Brando-starrer saw the veteran win his second Oscar for Best Actor and was a breakthrough for Al Pacino. Coppola then followed it up with The Godfather – Part II, which became the first sequel to win Best Picture.
The sequel saw Robert De Niro play the role of a younger Vito Corleone (played by Brando in the original). De Niro won the Oscar for Best Supporting Role for the film and had a breakthrough with the film. While he did a phenomenal job as Corleone, he reportedly auditioned way back for the first part and was up for the role of Sonny Corleone.
Robert De Niro Originally Auditioned For Sonny Corleone In The Godfather Marlon Brando in The Godfather | Credits: Paramount Pictures/Alfran Productions
Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather...
The sequel saw Robert De Niro play the role of a younger Vito Corleone (played by Brando in the original). De Niro won the Oscar for Best Supporting Role for the film and had a breakthrough with the film. While he did a phenomenal job as Corleone, he reportedly auditioned way back for the first part and was up for the role of Sonny Corleone.
Robert De Niro Originally Auditioned For Sonny Corleone In The Godfather Marlon Brando in The Godfather | Credits: Paramount Pictures/Alfran Productions
Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather...
- 5/23/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
You’d lie if you say there is no interest in crime flicks, as they not only offer you to peep into the underworld and the lives of those who break law and order, but also let you be partially involved in the onscreen adventures and showdowns. Yes, the genre’s lovers can rewatch The Godfather, Casino or Goodfellas, but what about something new?
Here are 6 overlooked crime gems you need to discover, according to Redditors.
Lucky Number Slevin (2006)
First comes a star-studded neo-noir thriller, following a man who ends up in the middle of a showdown between two rival New York crime lords: The Rabbi and the Boss. Josh Hartnett, Bruce Willis, Ben Kingsley and Morgan Freeman are really convincing here.
The Drop (2014)
Focusing on Tom Hardy’s barman who becomes involved in an investigation of the robbery of the local pub where he works, the movie explores the theme of criminal authorities,...
Here are 6 overlooked crime gems you need to discover, according to Redditors.
Lucky Number Slevin (2006)
First comes a star-studded neo-noir thriller, following a man who ends up in the middle of a showdown between two rival New York crime lords: The Rabbi and the Boss. Josh Hartnett, Bruce Willis, Ben Kingsley and Morgan Freeman are really convincing here.
The Drop (2014)
Focusing on Tom Hardy’s barman who becomes involved in an investigation of the robbery of the local pub where he works, the movie explores the theme of criminal authorities,...
- 5/22/2024
- by info@startefacts.com (Ava Raxa)
- STartefacts.com
Francis Ford Coppola is best known for his work on The Godfather trilogy. The accomplished filmmaker is one of the era-defining filmmakers of the 70s up to the 90s, where he made some of the best works of his career. Apocalypse Now, The Outsiders, Peggy Sue Got Married, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and The Rainmaker were some of his other great works.
Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina in Megalopolis | American Zoetrope
The director is coming up with his next ambitious film, Megalopolis, his return as a director after almost 14 years. The film was recently screened at Cannes, with the cast and Coppola talking about the movie at a press conference. The director spoke about how he was able to self-finance the film after selling off his successful winery that he started in 2008.
Francis Ford Coppola Started His Own Winery Chain That Helped Fund Megalopolis Francis Ford Coppola started his winery...
Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina in Megalopolis | American Zoetrope
The director is coming up with his next ambitious film, Megalopolis, his return as a director after almost 14 years. The film was recently screened at Cannes, with the cast and Coppola talking about the movie at a press conference. The director spoke about how he was able to self-finance the film after selling off his successful winery that he started in 2008.
Francis Ford Coppola Started His Own Winery Chain That Helped Fund Megalopolis Francis Ford Coppola started his winery...
- 5/22/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
Fred Roos, the Oscar-winning producer of The Godfather Part II and many other notable films, has died. He was 89.
Roos had a long relationship with Francis Ford Coppola, serving as producer or co-producer on many of the director’s best known films, including the second and third Godfather films (the second bringing him his Oscar), The Conversation, Apocalypse Now, One From The Heart and The Cotton Club.
Most recently, Roos served as executive producer of Coppola’s Megalopolis, which premiered this week at the Cannes festival.
Born in Santa Monica, Roos began his film career in the mailroom at talent agency McA.
Roos had a long relationship with Francis Ford Coppola, serving as producer or co-producer on many of the director’s best known films, including the second and third Godfather films (the second bringing him his Oscar), The Conversation, Apocalypse Now, One From The Heart and The Cotton Club.
Most recently, Roos served as executive producer of Coppola’s Megalopolis, which premiered this week at the Cannes festival.
Born in Santa Monica, Roos began his film career in the mailroom at talent agency McA.
- 5/21/2024
- ScreenDaily
Fred Roos, the longtime producing and casting collaborator of Francis Ford Coppola, has died at age 89.
Roos famously found Jack Nicholson and Harrison Ford, launching both actors’ respective careers, and even helped cast Carrie Fisher alongside Ford in “Star Wars.” He is credited for also boosting the careers of Kirsten Dunst, Diane Keaton, Laurence Fishburne, Frederic Forest, Diane Lane, Nicolas Cage, Richard Dreyfuss, Rob Lowe, Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Emilio Estevez, Jennifer Connelly, Billy Bob Thorton, Marshall Bell, and more.
Roos later served as the casting director for Coppola’s “The Godfather,” leading auteur Coppola to deem Roos “one of the great casting talents in the last 40 years of American movies” in a 2004 interview with the Chicago Tribune.
Roos produced follow-up film “The Godfather: Part II,” “Apocalypse Now,” and Coppola’s recent “Megalopolis,” for which he also helped cast the star-studded ensemble. In 1974, both Roos and Coppola earned two Oscar...
Roos famously found Jack Nicholson and Harrison Ford, launching both actors’ respective careers, and even helped cast Carrie Fisher alongside Ford in “Star Wars.” He is credited for also boosting the careers of Kirsten Dunst, Diane Keaton, Laurence Fishburne, Frederic Forest, Diane Lane, Nicolas Cage, Richard Dreyfuss, Rob Lowe, Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Emilio Estevez, Jennifer Connelly, Billy Bob Thorton, Marshall Bell, and more.
Roos later served as the casting director for Coppola’s “The Godfather,” leading auteur Coppola to deem Roos “one of the great casting talents in the last 40 years of American movies” in a 2004 interview with the Chicago Tribune.
Roos produced follow-up film “The Godfather: Part II,” “Apocalypse Now,” and Coppola’s recent “Megalopolis,” for which he also helped cast the star-studded ensemble. In 1974, both Roos and Coppola earned two Oscar...
- 5/21/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Fred Roos, the casting director turned producer who jump-started the career of Jack Nicholson and collaborated often with Francis Ford Coppola, sharing a best picture Oscar with the filmmaker for The Godfather Part II, has died. He was 89.
Roos died Saturday at his home in Beverly Hills, a publicist announced.
It’s part of Hollywood lore that before Harrison Ford became a famous actor, he was laboring as a carpenter to make ends meet. What some might not know is that it was at Roos’ house where Ford was woodworking when the casting director befriended him, eventually pushing him for roles in George Lucas’ American Graffiti (1973) and Star Wars (1977) and Coppola’s The Conversation (1974).
And it was Roos who convinced Lucas — who had been leaning toward Amy Irving — that Carrie Fisher should portray Princess Leia in Star Wars. (Roos did not have an official role on that film.)
Roos, however,...
Roos died Saturday at his home in Beverly Hills, a publicist announced.
It’s part of Hollywood lore that before Harrison Ford became a famous actor, he was laboring as a carpenter to make ends meet. What some might not know is that it was at Roos’ house where Ford was woodworking when the casting director befriended him, eventually pushing him for roles in George Lucas’ American Graffiti (1973) and Star Wars (1977) and Coppola’s The Conversation (1974).
And it was Roos who convinced Lucas — who had been leaning toward Amy Irving — that Carrie Fisher should portray Princess Leia in Star Wars. (Roos did not have an official role on that film.)
Roos, however,...
- 5/21/2024
- by Chris Koseluk
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Fred Roos, casting director for landmark films such as “American Graffiti” and who went on to have a close relationship with Francis Ford Coppola, including producing best picture winner “Godfather Part II” and “Apocalypse Now,” died Saturday in Beverly Hills. He was 89.
Roos was both casting director and executive producer on Coppola’s most recent film “Megalopolis” which premiered last week at the Cannes Film Festival. Last year, Coppola posted a photo of Roos with Adam Driver on Instagram and thanked him for his work on the long-gestating epic.
Roos was instrumental in helping stars including Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Carrie Fisher and Richard Dreyfuss get their early notable roles.
His long collaboration with Coppola as producer or co-producer included “The Conversation,” “One From the Heart,” “The Outsiders,” “Rumble Fish,” “The Cotton Club,” “The Godfather Part III,” “Tetro,” “Youth Without Youth” and “Tucker: The Man and His Dream.”
Roos was not credited,...
Roos was both casting director and executive producer on Coppola’s most recent film “Megalopolis” which premiered last week at the Cannes Film Festival. Last year, Coppola posted a photo of Roos with Adam Driver on Instagram and thanked him for his work on the long-gestating epic.
Roos was instrumental in helping stars including Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Carrie Fisher and Richard Dreyfuss get their early notable roles.
His long collaboration with Coppola as producer or co-producer included “The Conversation,” “One From the Heart,” “The Outsiders,” “Rumble Fish,” “The Cotton Club,” “The Godfather Part III,” “Tetro,” “Youth Without Youth” and “Tucker: The Man and His Dream.”
Roos was not credited,...
- 5/21/2024
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
Fred Roos, the Oscar-winning The Godfather Part II producer and longtime executive producer for Francis Ford Coppola and Sofia Coppola, died Saturday in Beverly Hills at 89, four days shy of his 90th birthday.
The news about Roos, who won his Godfather Part II Oscar and later was nominated for Coppola’s Apocalypse Now, comes as Francis Ford Coppola is here at the Cannes Film Festival, 45 years after winning the Palme d’Or for Apocalypse Now. Coppola is in town with his $120 million passion project Megalopolis, which had its world premiere last week. Roos is billed as producer on Megalopolis.
The news also comes after Coppola’s wife of 61 years, Eleanor, died April 12. Roos was an executive producer on Hearts of Darkness, her famed documentary about the making of Apocalypse Now that won them both an Emmy in 1992.
Roos was Francis Coppola’s co-producer on The Conversation, The Godfather Part II and Apocalypse Now,...
The news about Roos, who won his Godfather Part II Oscar and later was nominated for Coppola’s Apocalypse Now, comes as Francis Ford Coppola is here at the Cannes Film Festival, 45 years after winning the Palme d’Or for Apocalypse Now. Coppola is in town with his $120 million passion project Megalopolis, which had its world premiere last week. Roos is billed as producer on Megalopolis.
The news also comes after Coppola’s wife of 61 years, Eleanor, died April 12. Roos was an executive producer on Hearts of Darkness, her famed documentary about the making of Apocalypse Now that won them both an Emmy in 1992.
Roos was Francis Coppola’s co-producer on The Conversation, The Godfather Part II and Apocalypse Now,...
- 5/21/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Over the course of his career, James Caan starred in some of the most influential films of all time, including the iconic The Godfather, in which he took on the role of Sonny Corleone and earned an Academy Award for his performance. The actor was also known for being highly discerning about his on-screen projects, prompting several rejections throughout his career.
James Caan as Sonny Corleone in The Godfather | Credit: IMDb
Renowned for his outspoken and opinionated nature, the actor also did not hesitate to voice his reservations when it came to a line in the 1973 drama, Cinderella Liberty, leading to a disagreement with his friend and director of the film, Mark Rydell.
James Caan Was Disappointed With One Line in Cinderella Liberty
The 1973 film Cinderella Liberty follows James Caan as a sailor, John, who falls for a prostitute Maggie (Marsha Mason). However, things get complicated after she goes back to her previous lifestyle.
James Caan as Sonny Corleone in The Godfather | Credit: IMDb
Renowned for his outspoken and opinionated nature, the actor also did not hesitate to voice his reservations when it came to a line in the 1973 drama, Cinderella Liberty, leading to a disagreement with his friend and director of the film, Mark Rydell.
James Caan Was Disappointed With One Line in Cinderella Liberty
The 1973 film Cinderella Liberty follows James Caan as a sailor, John, who falls for a prostitute Maggie (Marsha Mason). However, things get complicated after she goes back to her previous lifestyle.
- 5/20/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
The shadow of The Godfather looms large over French director Julien Colonna’s formidable feature debut, The Kingdom (Le Royaume), and not only because one of the characters in it is literally called “Godfather.”
Set in Corsica in 1995, at a time when the island was wracked by warfare among nationalist groups and crime families, the film focuses on one mafioso clan that’s beset by enemies on all sides and needs to survive by any means necessary. The head of that clan is a very casually dressed Don Corleone named Pierre-Paul (Saveriu Santucci), and he needs to both preserve his leadership and protect his teenage daughter, Lesia (the illuminating Ghjuvanna Benedetti), as they run from cops and mobsters alike.
So yes, it’s a very Godfather-like scenario — but it’s as if the Coppola classic were told from the viewpoint of a young Connie, chronicling how a girl on the...
Set in Corsica in 1995, at a time when the island was wracked by warfare among nationalist groups and crime families, the film focuses on one mafioso clan that’s beset by enemies on all sides and needs to survive by any means necessary. The head of that clan is a very casually dressed Don Corleone named Pierre-Paul (Saveriu Santucci), and he needs to both preserve his leadership and protect his teenage daughter, Lesia (the illuminating Ghjuvanna Benedetti), as they run from cops and mobsters alike.
So yes, it’s a very Godfather-like scenario — but it’s as if the Coppola classic were told from the viewpoint of a young Connie, chronicling how a girl on the...
- 5/20/2024
- by Jordan Mintzer
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
10. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1967)
With the backdrop of the Civil War, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is already pretty epic by default — but it only gets better. Three bounty hunters have to forge an uneasy alliance to find stolen gold before their competitor does, but they don’t trust each other and anyone else. High stakes, high tension, and pure adrenaline.
You can watch The Good, the Bad and the Ugly on Apple TV and Prime Video.
9. The Godfather (1972)
The first movie in Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic trilogy, The Godfather is often dubbed the best gangster movie in history, and that might just be right. Post-wwii America is still largely ruled by the mafia, and the wise and cunning Godfather leads one of them through tumultuous times as he prepares a transfer of power in the family.
You can watch The Godfather on Netflix and Prime Video.
With the backdrop of the Civil War, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is already pretty epic by default — but it only gets better. Three bounty hunters have to forge an uneasy alliance to find stolen gold before their competitor does, but they don’t trust each other and anyone else. High stakes, high tension, and pure adrenaline.
You can watch The Good, the Bad and the Ugly on Apple TV and Prime Video.
9. The Godfather (1972)
The first movie in Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic trilogy, The Godfather is often dubbed the best gangster movie in history, and that might just be right. Post-wwii America is still largely ruled by the mafia, and the wise and cunning Godfather leads one of them through tumultuous times as he prepares a transfer of power in the family.
You can watch The Godfather on Netflix and Prime Video.
- 5/19/2024
- by dean-black@startefacts.com (Dean Black)
- STartefacts.com
Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis is receiving mixed reviews from critics after its debut at the Cannes Film Festival on May 16. While some appreciate the director’s crazy vision for the movie, others deem it as a disaster. Coppola doesn’t care as he is happy that he got to do the film that he had been planning since the ’70s.
He shared that he was done with studios not letting him make movies he wanted like they did with his vision for Western drama. Coppola revealed that he originally optioned the script of Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven but he failed to convince any studio to put in the money for the project.
Francis Ford Coppola and Marlon Brando on the sets of The Godfather | Paramount Pictures
Interestingly, Coppola self-financed Megalopolis after studios refused to take up the risky subject of the film. He invested $120 million of his hard-earned money...
He shared that he was done with studios not letting him make movies he wanted like they did with his vision for Western drama. Coppola revealed that he originally optioned the script of Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven but he failed to convince any studio to put in the money for the project.
Francis Ford Coppola and Marlon Brando on the sets of The Godfather | Paramount Pictures
Interestingly, Coppola self-financed Megalopolis after studios refused to take up the risky subject of the film. He invested $120 million of his hard-earned money...
- 5/19/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
In this shattering variation on “The Monkey’s Paw,” grief-stricken suburban parents (Academy Award nominees John Marley of The Godfather and Lynn Carlin of Faces) refuse to accept the news that their son Andy (Richard Backus) has been killed in Vietnam. But when Andy returns home soon after, something may be horribly wrong: Andy is alive and well…or is he? Produced and directed by Bob Clark (Black Christmas) and written by Alan Ormsby (Deranged), Deathdream was one of the very first films to confront the domestic ravages of the Vietnam War and remains one of the most chilling horror films of all time.
Deathdream is available on 4K Uhd Blu-ray on May 21.
Enter for your chance to win a 4K Uhd Blu-ray of Deathdream, courtesy of Blue Underground. Two (2) winners will be selected at random.
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Deathdream is available on 4K Uhd Blu-ray on May 21.
Enter for your chance to win a 4K Uhd Blu-ray of Deathdream, courtesy of Blue Underground. Two (2) winners will be selected at random.
Here’s how to enter:
Step 1: Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, or Bluesky.
- 5/18/2024
- by Slant Staff
- Slant Magazine
There is one masterpiece that continues to cast a long, illustrious shadow over the film industry: Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of Mario Puzo’s novel The Godfather.
Isn’t it remarkable how a film can so thoroughly capture the collective imagination, resonating with audiences decade after decade? Steeped in authenticity, the 1972 gangster masterpiece is heralded as one of the most acclaimed films of all time, etching its lines, scenes, and characters into the very fabric of cinematic history.
Al Pacino in The Godfather II | Credit: Paramount Pictures
Take Coppola’s ensemble cast, which starred Diane Keaton, Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and Robert Duvall. The latter played Tom Hagen, the unofficially adopted son of Vito Corleone, played by Brando. Well, his portrayal of Tom in Paramount Pictures’ series is iconic, and it’s no surprise that his favorite scene from the film revolves around the revelation that he is the adopted son.
Isn’t it remarkable how a film can so thoroughly capture the collective imagination, resonating with audiences decade after decade? Steeped in authenticity, the 1972 gangster masterpiece is heralded as one of the most acclaimed films of all time, etching its lines, scenes, and characters into the very fabric of cinematic history.
Al Pacino in The Godfather II | Credit: Paramount Pictures
Take Coppola’s ensemble cast, which starred Diane Keaton, Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and Robert Duvall. The latter played Tom Hagen, the unofficially adopted son of Vito Corleone, played by Brando. Well, his portrayal of Tom in Paramount Pictures’ series is iconic, and it’s no surprise that his favorite scene from the film revolves around the revelation that he is the adopted son.
- 5/18/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
Megalopolis created an astonishing buzz as the movie went on to be the most ambitious project of Francis Ford Coppola in recent times. When many major studios backed off from the movie, the director who developed the script for decades, self-financed the project.
Adam Driver in Megalopolis. Credit: Francis Ford Coppola/Yt
Coppola is one of the most talented auteurs currently working in Hollywood. His cinematic visions have done wonders with several big titles including his masterpiece trilogy, The Godfather and acclaimed war movie, Apocalypse Now. However, his most recent work Megalopolis has met with disastrous critical reviews.
Francis Ford Coppola Doesn’t Regret Making Megalopolis Francis Ford Coppola. Credit: Dick Thomas Johnson/Wikimedia Commons
Megalopolis’ reviews following the Cannes premiere of the Francis Ford Coppola dream project were not what the director had expected. The movie mostly met with mixed reviews and the Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, Shia Labeouf...
Adam Driver in Megalopolis. Credit: Francis Ford Coppola/Yt
Coppola is one of the most talented auteurs currently working in Hollywood. His cinematic visions have done wonders with several big titles including his masterpiece trilogy, The Godfather and acclaimed war movie, Apocalypse Now. However, his most recent work Megalopolis has met with disastrous critical reviews.
Francis Ford Coppola Doesn’t Regret Making Megalopolis Francis Ford Coppola. Credit: Dick Thomas Johnson/Wikimedia Commons
Megalopolis’ reviews following the Cannes premiere of the Francis Ford Coppola dream project were not what the director had expected. The movie mostly met with mixed reviews and the Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, Shia Labeouf...
- 5/18/2024
- by Lachit Roy
- FandomWire
After batting around the mind of Francis Ford Coppola for nearly half-a-century, Megalopolis was bestowed upon the world yesterday at the Cannes Film Festival. While reactions were expectedly divisive (read our review here), we’ve now gleaned more insight from the director’s process thanks to the official press conference. Coppola, who was joined by the film’s cast and crew, among them a handful of members of his own family, talked about the communal process of making the epic.
When asked about the political state of the world with the reign of Trump, Coppola responded, “Well, men like Donald Trump are not, at the moment, in charge but there is a trend happening in the world towards the more neo-right even fascist tradition, which is frightening, because anyone who was alive during World War II saw the horrors that took place and we don’t want a repeat of that.
When asked about the political state of the world with the reign of Trump, Coppola responded, “Well, men like Donald Trump are not, at the moment, in charge but there is a trend happening in the world towards the more neo-right even fascist tradition, which is frightening, because anyone who was alive during World War II saw the horrors that took place and we don’t want a repeat of that.
- 5/17/2024
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Francis Ford Coppola, the fabled director behind classics like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has poured 40 years of his life and $120 million of his own money into his latest passion project, Megalopolis. This self-funded sci-fi epic follows an architect with the power to stop time as he attempts to rebuild a devastated metropolis as a utopia, despite facing opposition from the corrupt Mayor.
Francis Ford Coppola | Source: Wikimedia Commons/Gerald Geronimo
With a star-studded cast including Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, and Aubrey Plaza, expectations are definitely high for this long-awaited film. Making Megalopolis was an expensive and laborious procedure; thus, its box office performance will have a significant influence on Coppola’s legacy in the future.
Since the movie’s May 16, 2024, Cannes Film Festival premiere, initial reviews have been released, and they are polarizing.
Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis: A Cinematic Revolution or a Misfire?
At its Cannes Film Festival premiere on Thursday,...
Francis Ford Coppola | Source: Wikimedia Commons/Gerald Geronimo
With a star-studded cast including Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, and Aubrey Plaza, expectations are definitely high for this long-awaited film. Making Megalopolis was an expensive and laborious procedure; thus, its box office performance will have a significant influence on Coppola’s legacy in the future.
Since the movie’s May 16, 2024, Cannes Film Festival premiere, initial reviews have been released, and they are polarizing.
Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis: A Cinematic Revolution or a Misfire?
At its Cannes Film Festival premiere on Thursday,...
- 5/17/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
Who is Francis Ford Coppola? A wondrous madman? A delicate tyrant? It’s clear he loves chaos and knows you love it too. Is this why he’s so attracted to working with actors who have their own chaotic (often despicable) public personas? Is he drawn to working with and capturing them because he believes they’ll understand him and his process more than others or is he trying to understand something about himself? Maybe both. Filmmaking is his art and art is his way of reckoning with the world around him. It’s why his re-edits are often better than the originals. Time has granted him more understanding and he does his best to transmute that back into the work. Time is also an obsession of his, so much so that to view any of his work without also contextualizing where it sits within his personal history is a...
- 5/17/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
All the big themes are here including greed, corruption, creation of a new world order and power play, in Francis Ford Coppola’s indigestible epic around the state of humanity and the world as he sees it. It is described simply as “A Fable”, but there is nothing simple about this over-ambitious allegorical sprawl.
Coppola probably has a right to indulge himself as he provided most of the $120million budget from, among other sources, his ancillary activities as a successful winemaker and seller. It has been a long time coming, with ideas swirling around his conscious for many decades.
Now the man behind such masterpieces as as The Godfather trilogy and Apocalypse Now has thrown everything into what may be a last throw of the dice, reuniting some of his veteran collaborators, including Laurence Fishburne and Giancarlo Esposito and colourful turns from the likes of Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight.
Coppola probably has a right to indulge himself as he provided most of the $120million budget from, among other sources, his ancillary activities as a successful winemaker and seller. It has been a long time coming, with ideas swirling around his conscious for many decades.
Now the man behind such masterpieces as as The Godfather trilogy and Apocalypse Now has thrown everything into what may be a last throw of the dice, reuniting some of his veteran collaborators, including Laurence Fishburne and Giancarlo Esposito and colourful turns from the likes of Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight.
- 5/16/2024
- by Richard Mowe
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
When news first began circulating that distributors found Francis Ford Coppola’s long-awaited passion project “Megalopolis” tough to market, people were quick to shrug their shoulders in response. How could a film by the legendary “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now” director be hard to market? Well, those who shrugged their shoulders had not yet seen “Megalopolis.”
What is “Megalopolis”?
Continue reading ‘Megalopolis’ Review: Francis Ford Coppola’s Epic Is A Madman’s Fever Dream [Cannes] at The Playlist.
What is “Megalopolis”?
Continue reading ‘Megalopolis’ Review: Francis Ford Coppola’s Epic Is A Madman’s Fever Dream [Cannes] at The Playlist.
- 5/16/2024
- by Rafa Sales Ross
- The Playlist
Is Francis Ford Coppola’s controversial magnum opus “Megalopolis” any good?
The two hour and 20 minute dystopian drama certainly divided the audience at the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday night with its collision course of shocking scenes: a doctored sex tape featuring Adam Driver, Shia Labeouf in drag playing a Trumpian figure and Aubrey Plaza dominating her way through a slew of men.
But there was still a huge amount of respect for iconic director Coppola, who received a four-minute standing ovation upon entering the room. After the credits rolled — which included a tribute to his late wife Eleanor — and the standing ovation began, Coppola hugged Driver and Giancarlo Esposito and got emotional as he made a speech dedicating the film to hope and family.
“Thank you all so much. It is so impossible to find words to tell you how I feel,” Coppola said, then introducing his family members in the audience.
The two hour and 20 minute dystopian drama certainly divided the audience at the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday night with its collision course of shocking scenes: a doctored sex tape featuring Adam Driver, Shia Labeouf in drag playing a Trumpian figure and Aubrey Plaza dominating her way through a slew of men.
But there was still a huge amount of respect for iconic director Coppola, who received a four-minute standing ovation upon entering the room. After the credits rolled — which included a tribute to his late wife Eleanor — and the standing ovation began, Coppola hugged Driver and Giancarlo Esposito and got emotional as he made a speech dedicating the film to hope and family.
“Thank you all so much. It is so impossible to find words to tell you how I feel,” Coppola said, then introducing his family members in the audience.
- 5/16/2024
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Francis Ford Coppola has fought many battles in his filmmaking career, but none is probably as intense as his production of the Vietnam War film Apocalypse Now. Based on Joseph Conrad’s novella Heart of Darkness, the filmmaker reportedly faced a chaotic shoot that involved lead actor Martin Sheen having a heart attack and built sets being destroyed.
Many behind-the-scenes stories have been shared about the movie in the past and it was also the subject of a documentary Hearts of Darkness – A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse. One interesting but sad trivia about the film was the butchering of a water buffalo at the climax of the film. The buffalo was reportedly slaughtered for real and was part of the local tribes’ custom, though Coppola refused to slay an animal for a movie.
Francis Ford Coppola Initially Refused To Harm An Animal For Apocalypse Now Martin Sheen in Apocalypse Now
After...
Many behind-the-scenes stories have been shared about the movie in the past and it was also the subject of a documentary Hearts of Darkness – A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse. One interesting but sad trivia about the film was the butchering of a water buffalo at the climax of the film. The buffalo was reportedly slaughtered for real and was part of the local tribes’ custom, though Coppola refused to slay an animal for a movie.
Francis Ford Coppola Initially Refused To Harm An Animal For Apocalypse Now Martin Sheen in Apocalypse Now
After...
- 5/16/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather earned its place as one of the most critically acclaimed films of all time. Starring Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, and many more, the movie turned into a cinematic masterpiece, garnering 11 nominations and 3 Academy Awards.
Robert Duvall in The Godfather (1972)
Considering that Robert Duvall played a significant role in The Godfather’s success providing his exceptional performance, the actor was asked about his sense of how special the film might have been, during the 50th anniversary of the movie. Shockingly, Duvall claimed to have a remarkable intuition about the film’s success even before its completion.
Robert Duvall’s Eerily Accurate Prediction About The Godfather
Sharing the screen with the likes of Al Pacino, the acclaimed actor Robert Duvall appeared in Francis Ford Coppola‘s The Godfather as Tom Hagen, the informally adopted son of Marlon Brando’s Vito Corleone and...
Robert Duvall in The Godfather (1972)
Considering that Robert Duvall played a significant role in The Godfather’s success providing his exceptional performance, the actor was asked about his sense of how special the film might have been, during the 50th anniversary of the movie. Shockingly, Duvall claimed to have a remarkable intuition about the film’s success even before its completion.
Robert Duvall’s Eerily Accurate Prediction About The Godfather
Sharing the screen with the likes of Al Pacino, the acclaimed actor Robert Duvall appeared in Francis Ford Coppola‘s The Godfather as Tom Hagen, the informally adopted son of Marlon Brando’s Vito Corleone and...
- 5/16/2024
- by Krittika Mukherjee
- FandomWire
The Godfather remains a revered piece of cinema even after more than fifty years of its release. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the film tells the story of Michael Corleone, an outsider in a mafia family, who eventually goes on to become a mafia don. Actor Al Pacino played the role of Michael Corleone, and given his performance it is hard to imagine anyone else as the character.
Marlon Brando and Al Pacino’s perofrmance in The Godfather received critical acclaim.
According to reports, actor Burt Reynolds was once in contention to play the role of Michael Corleone in the film. However, Reynolds had to later decline the offer to star in the movie, after Marlon Brando, who played Michael’s father, threatened to exit if Reynolds was cast over Pacino. Here is how Pacino owes Brando for The Godfather role.
Marlon Brando Threatened to Quit The Godfather if Burt...
Marlon Brando and Al Pacino’s perofrmance in The Godfather received critical acclaim.
According to reports, actor Burt Reynolds was once in contention to play the role of Michael Corleone in the film. However, Reynolds had to later decline the offer to star in the movie, after Marlon Brando, who played Michael’s father, threatened to exit if Reynolds was cast over Pacino. Here is how Pacino owes Brando for The Godfather role.
Marlon Brando Threatened to Quit The Godfather if Burt...
- 5/16/2024
- by Pratik Handore
- FandomWire
Playing the role of Corleone family consigliere Tom Hagen, Robert Duvall shared many scenes with the late legend Marlon Brando, during their collaboration on The Godfather. During their on-set experience, Duvall got to witness one of Brando’s acting quirks – using cue cards to remember his lines.
Robert Duvall in The Godfather
Reports of Marlon Brando using cue cards have made rounds on the internet, for many years, since the actor’s demise. But finally, Robert Duvall addressed the very practice and broke his silence on Brando’s acting quirks. Since many had pointed to Brando’s use of cue cards as a symptom of laziness, without holding back, Duvall claimed the same and called out the legend for his practice.
Robert Duvall Called Out Marlon Brando’s Acting Quirks
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Francis Ford Coppola‘s The Godfather in 2022, Robert Duvall sat for an interview with The A.V. Club,...
Robert Duvall in The Godfather
Reports of Marlon Brando using cue cards have made rounds on the internet, for many years, since the actor’s demise. But finally, Robert Duvall addressed the very practice and broke his silence on Brando’s acting quirks. Since many had pointed to Brando’s use of cue cards as a symptom of laziness, without holding back, Duvall claimed the same and called out the legend for his practice.
Robert Duvall Called Out Marlon Brando’s Acting Quirks
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Francis Ford Coppola‘s The Godfather in 2022, Robert Duvall sat for an interview with The A.V. Club,...
- 5/16/2024
- by Krittika Mukherjee
- FandomWire
Francis Ford Coppola had quite the tussle with Paramount to cast Al Pacino in the role of Michael Corleone in The Godfather. Pacino was Coppola’s favorite, while the studio was against his casting due to his height. When Coppola finally convinced the studio to cast him, the Scarface actor was skeptical of the film after his first day of filming. He revealed in a 2023 interview that he and co-star Diane Keaton feared for their careers on that day.
Al Pacino was skeptical of The Godfather after the first day of shooting
However, Al Pacino’s assumptions about the film were proven wrong when it went on to become an industry hit. It also launched the career of the actor who became one of the greatest living actors of our time.
Al Pacino and Diane Keaton Thought Their Careers Were Over After 1 Day Of Filming The Godfather
Diane Keaton and...
Al Pacino was skeptical of The Godfather after the first day of shooting
However, Al Pacino’s assumptions about the film were proven wrong when it went on to become an industry hit. It also launched the career of the actor who became one of the greatest living actors of our time.
Al Pacino and Diane Keaton Thought Their Careers Were Over After 1 Day Of Filming The Godfather
Diane Keaton and...
- 5/16/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
It had been reported earlier that Francis Ford Coppola’s newest movie, Megalopolis, was going to be a tricky sell for distributors because, even though there is a definite commercial appeal, there was also an artsy quality to it that might make it seem less accessible to sell to general audiences. However, as the first clip and the teaser trailer have shown, the new film from the Apocalypse Now director has stunningly dynamic cinematography and some very cinematic special effects sequences. It has the look of a grand sci-fi epic, and The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that it will be getting the treatment of a grand cinema epic as the film will be screening in IMAX globally.
IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond addressed the press Thursday as Cannes about Megalopolis. He stated, “The film is going to get an IMAX release. One of the things that we pride ourselves on is being filmmaker-friendly.
IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond addressed the press Thursday as Cannes about Megalopolis. He stated, “The film is going to get an IMAX release. One of the things that we pride ourselves on is being filmmaker-friendly.
- 5/16/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Aubrey Plaza has rubbished speculation that 'Megalopolis' has endured a difficult production.The 39-year-old actress plays journalist Wow Platinum in the new sci-fi epic from Francis Ford Coppola and has dismissed reports that 'The Godfather' filmmaker was struggling to keep control on set amid talk of a high staff turnover and escalating budget.Speaking to Deadline, Aubrey said of the rumours: "I thought it was kind of funny."I would defend Francis all day long, but he doesn't need my defence. I think when you're on the inside of it, and you know what's really going down, it's almost like, 'Let them make up their stories and let them cause a big ruckus about it. Why not? Drum up some attention for the movie.'"I think it ends up, in my mind, all working for the movie."Aubrey explained that the opportunity to work with...
- 5/16/2024
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
Marlon Brando is among the pantheon of the greatest actors to have ever graced the silver screen. He popularized the art of method acting and maintaining the intensity of his characters throughout production. His award-winning and acclaimed performances in A Streetcar Named Desire, On the Waterfront, and The Godfather continued to be analyzed and admired by current actors.
Marlon Brando as Colonel Walter Kurtz in Apocalypse Now
One of his most recognizable antagonistic performances was in Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now, Brando has had an infamous reputation for being difficult to work with. During the film, Brando and his co-star Dennis Hopper had a misunderstanding, where Brando threw a tantrum, resulting in a feud that almost turned physical.
Dennis Hopper Got Pissed With Marlon Brando’s Insults and Almost Fought Him
Marlon Brando requested his scenes to be shot separately from Dennis Hopper in Apocalypse Now
By the late 70s,...
Marlon Brando as Colonel Walter Kurtz in Apocalypse Now
One of his most recognizable antagonistic performances was in Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now, Brando has had an infamous reputation for being difficult to work with. During the film, Brando and his co-star Dennis Hopper had a misunderstanding, where Brando threw a tantrum, resulting in a feud that almost turned physical.
Dennis Hopper Got Pissed With Marlon Brando’s Insults and Almost Fought Him
Marlon Brando requested his scenes to be shot separately from Dennis Hopper in Apocalypse Now
By the late 70s,...
- 5/16/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
Reader, you have been lied to! Film history is littered with unfairly maligned classics, whether critics were too eager to review the making of rather than the finished product, or they suffered from underwhelming ad campaigns or general disinterest. Let’s revise our takes on some of these films from wrongheaded to the correct opinion.
In 1972, Peter Bogdanovich, Francis Coppola, and William Friedkin were three of the hottest directors in Hollywood thanks to finding the sweet spot between art and box office with “The Last Picture Show,” “The Godfather,” and “The French Connection,” respectively. With their newfound clout, the young auteurs formed The Directors Company, a partnership based at Paramount, where they were given complete creative freedom to make anything they wanted as long as they worked within modest budgets. The first movie the deal yielded, “Paper Moon,” was a hit, Bogdanovich’s third in a row after “Picture Show...
In 1972, Peter Bogdanovich, Francis Coppola, and William Friedkin were three of the hottest directors in Hollywood thanks to finding the sweet spot between art and box office with “The Last Picture Show,” “The Godfather,” and “The French Connection,” respectively. With their newfound clout, the young auteurs formed The Directors Company, a partnership based at Paramount, where they were given complete creative freedom to make anything they wanted as long as they worked within modest budgets. The first movie the deal yielded, “Paper Moon,” was a hit, Bogdanovich’s third in a row after “Picture Show...
- 5/15/2024
- by Jim Hemphill
- Indiewire
The first two "Terminator" movies are amongst the greatest works of science-fiction in American cinema — which makes the fact the original "Terminator" almost did not happen baffling. These films gave us groundbreaking special effects and iconic lines of dialogue, along with some rather scary predictions of the future.
Of course, the "Terminator" franchise has also given us some very mediocre sequels. Now, after six movies and a live-action TV show, the property is finally entering animation, with "The Batman 2" writer Mattson Tomlin spearheading the anime "Terminator Zero" for Netflix. After the streamer, Skydance, and Production I.G decided they wanted the show to have a Japanese component, Tomlin decided to set the anime in Japan. That decision brought with it a big problem, however. As Tomlin told Entertainment Weekly, "I was aware that there aren't really guns in Japan, and I don't think I quite appreciated how real that was.
Of course, the "Terminator" franchise has also given us some very mediocre sequels. Now, after six movies and a live-action TV show, the property is finally entering animation, with "The Batman 2" writer Mattson Tomlin spearheading the anime "Terminator Zero" for Netflix. After the streamer, Skydance, and Production I.G decided they wanted the show to have a Japanese component, Tomlin decided to set the anime in Japan. That decision brought with it a big problem, however. As Tomlin told Entertainment Weekly, "I was aware that there aren't really guns in Japan, and I don't think I quite appreciated how real that was.
- 5/15/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
When Francis Ford Coppola arrived in Cannes in 1979 to premiere an unfinished version of “Apocalypse Now,” he had endured a gauntlet of bad press. His Vietnam saga’s budget kept ballooning, forcing Coppola to offer his car, his home, even the profits from “The Godfather” as collateral to cover overages. The production was biblically plagued — its original star Harvey Keitel was fired days into shooting, his replacement, Martin Sheen, suffered a near-fatal heart attack, a typhoon destroyed much of the set and a shoot intended to last six weeks stretched over 16 months. To the chattering classes, “Apocalypse Now” had all the makings of a cinematic catastrophe. It turned out to be quite the opposite.
In a press conference at Cannes, Coppola was blunt: “There were too many of us. We had access to too much money, too much equipment, and, little by little, we went insane.”
Forty-five years later, Coppola...
In a press conference at Cannes, Coppola was blunt: “There were too many of us. We had access to too much money, too much equipment, and, little by little, we went insane.”
Forty-five years later, Coppola...
- 5/15/2024
- by Brent Lang, Tatiana Siegel and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Francis Ford Coppola is back with what is sure to be one of the most important films of the decade Megalopolis. The film has been a dream project for The Godfather director, who has been working on the project for over forty years. The film stars Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, Shia Labeouf, and Aubrey Plaza in pivotal roles.
While the film makes its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival this week, many crew members have come out to talk about their experiences on set. Much like other Coppola films, the production of Megalopolis also seemed to be filled with chaos. One of the key moments in the production was the departure of the VFX crew and the director’s decision to go back to green screens after berating it throughout.
Francis Ford Coppola Berated Marvel Films And Ended Up Going Through The Same Process Adam Driver in Megalopolis...
While the film makes its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival this week, many crew members have come out to talk about their experiences on set. Much like other Coppola films, the production of Megalopolis also seemed to be filled with chaos. One of the key moments in the production was the departure of the VFX crew and the director’s decision to go back to green screens after berating it throughout.
Francis Ford Coppola Berated Marvel Films And Ended Up Going Through The Same Process Adam Driver in Megalopolis...
- 5/15/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Every production that airs on screens in Hollywood has two stories – one that it portrays and another that happened behind the scenes. Famed for filming award-winning movies like The Godfather, The Conversation, and Apocalypse Now, Francis Ford Coppola stands tall in the list of acclaimed filmmakers. However, he has seen days where his projects nearly went to a loss due to concerning behaviors from his actors like Marlon Brando and now is having a similar impact on his own movies because of none but his own behavior.
Francis Ford Coppola in his early days
A string of reports from the sets of the upcoming ambitious leap from the director, Megalopolis, has added a layer of disbelief. Renowned for his cinematography, vision, and dedication to the craft, crew admissions have held him accountable for nearly ruining the flick’s shooting. Ironically, all of it mirrors largely what he faced himself during...
Francis Ford Coppola in his early days
A string of reports from the sets of the upcoming ambitious leap from the director, Megalopolis, has added a layer of disbelief. Renowned for his cinematography, vision, and dedication to the craft, crew admissions have held him accountable for nearly ruining the flick’s shooting. Ironically, all of it mirrors largely what he faced himself during...
- 5/15/2024
- by Imteshal Karim
- FandomWire
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