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
It’s hard to imagine anyone other than Al Pacino in the role of Michael Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola’s epic crime drama The Godfather. However, Coppola went out of his way to cast the actor after Paramount wanted a Marvel star in the role of Michael. Interestingly, Al Pacino, a newcomer at the time, had a different role in mind. He eyed the role of the hot-headed Sonny Corleone, which later went to James Caan.
Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in a still from The Godfather
The studio was also against Coppola’s choice of Marlon Brando for the role of Vito Corleone. They initially considered Laurence Olivier for the role but once he became unavailable, Coppola and Paramount entered a months-long debate on casting Brando.
Al Pacino Wanted To Play A Different Character In The Godfather
Al Pacino initially wanted to play the role of Sonny Corleone...
Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in a still from The Godfather
The studio was also against Coppola’s choice of Marlon Brando for the role of Vito Corleone. They initially considered Laurence Olivier for the role but once he became unavailable, Coppola and Paramount entered a months-long debate on casting Brando.
Al Pacino Wanted To Play A Different Character In The Godfather
Al Pacino initially wanted to play the role of Sonny Corleone...
- 5/15/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
Francis Ford Coppola has poured his passion and finance into his longtime project, Megalopolis. Set in the fictional modern America, the sci-fi drama movie is set to have its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival this Thursday.
Francis Ford Coppola (via Wikimedia Commons/Bernard Gotfryd)
As the movie makes rounds for its concept and the iconic filmmaker’s comeback in the industry, a new report questioned his on-set behavior amid concerning allegations. In response to his alleged behavior, the film’s executive co-producer expressed his point of view, reflecting that he was “never aware” of any complaints during the production.
Megalopolis Producer Defends Francis Ford Coppola’s Alleged On-Set Behavior
Francis Ford Coppola is back with his self-financed long-time passion project, Megalopolis, which is set in a fictional modern America. Ahead of its world premiere, The Guardian published a report on the film’s production in which several crew...
Francis Ford Coppola (via Wikimedia Commons/Bernard Gotfryd)
As the movie makes rounds for its concept and the iconic filmmaker’s comeback in the industry, a new report questioned his on-set behavior amid concerning allegations. In response to his alleged behavior, the film’s executive co-producer expressed his point of view, reflecting that he was “never aware” of any complaints during the production.
Megalopolis Producer Defends Francis Ford Coppola’s Alleged On-Set Behavior
Francis Ford Coppola is back with his self-financed long-time passion project, Megalopolis, which is set in a fictional modern America. Ahead of its world premiere, The Guardian published a report on the film’s production in which several crew...
- 5/15/2024
- by Priya Sharma
- FandomWire
Francis Ford Coppola is a visionary in the vast landscape of modern filmmaking and all of Hollywood. The director of The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the filmmaker-screenwriter is the recipient of five Academy Awards and more. And his latest movie, also a self-financed passion project, Megalopolis, is set to premier at the Cannes Film Festival.
Francis Ford Coppola (Image: World Travel & Tourism Council/Wikimedia Commons)
Yet despite his talent, the filmmaker gives much of the praise for the career he has made to his late wife, Eleanor Coppola. But in an old interview, despite remarking how marriage changed his life for the better, he asked young women to not marry early.
Francis Ford Coppola Doesn’t Think Women Should Get Married Early Francis Ford Coppola with his late wife Eleanor (Image: Instagram | @francisfordcoppola)
Francis Ford Coppola enjoyed a long and loving marriage with his late wife,...
Francis Ford Coppola (Image: World Travel & Tourism Council/Wikimedia Commons)
Yet despite his talent, the filmmaker gives much of the praise for the career he has made to his late wife, Eleanor Coppola. But in an old interview, despite remarking how marriage changed his life for the better, he asked young women to not marry early.
Francis Ford Coppola Doesn’t Think Women Should Get Married Early Francis Ford Coppola with his late wife Eleanor (Image: Instagram | @francisfordcoppola)
Francis Ford Coppola enjoyed a long and loving marriage with his late wife,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Maria Sultan
- FandomWire
Ever thought about what happens when a legendary director’s relentless pursuit of authenticity collides with cutting-edge technology and a stellar cast? In the newest film from The Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola, Adam Driver portrays Caesar Catillina, an architect trying to rebuild New York into a science fiction city after it is destroyed.
A recent article by The Guardian described the dramatic behind-the-scenes action on the set of Coppola’s much-awaited flick, Megalopolis, including a riveting account of Driver’s first day on the set. It seems that the director’s disdain for digital effects led him to make some questionable choices when it came to creating certain visual effects for the film.
Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis
Digitally creating that particular effect would have been quick and easy, according to one of the crew members. Nevertheless, Coppola devoted “half of a day” to an activity that could have been completed in ten minutes.
A recent article by The Guardian described the dramatic behind-the-scenes action on the set of Coppola’s much-awaited flick, Megalopolis, including a riveting account of Driver’s first day on the set. It seems that the director’s disdain for digital effects led him to make some questionable choices when it came to creating certain visual effects for the film.
Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis
Digitally creating that particular effect would have been quick and easy, according to one of the crew members. Nevertheless, Coppola devoted “half of a day” to an activity that could have been completed in ten minutes.
- 5/15/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
More than five decades ago, Al Pacino and Marlon Brando collaborated on their first project together, which ended up being a smash hit: 1972’s The Godfather. Yet, as tremendously as both the actors performed as prominent characters in the film, they apparently didn’t receive the same and fair treatment while being applauded for the masterpiece’s success at the Academy Awards.
Al Pacino and Marlon Brando in The Godfather.
That said, multiple rumors started floating around about Pacino’s hatred for his co-star Brando, because of how unfairly he was treated in front of him at the Oscars. However, as it turns out, surprisingly enough, all of those rumors were nothing short of mere pieces of gossip, considering how Pacino even seemed disturbed while addressing and refuting all such rumors.
Al Pacino Clears the Air About His Alleged Feud with Marlon Brando Over The Godfather
Back in 1972, when The Godfather initially hit the theatres,...
Al Pacino and Marlon Brando in The Godfather.
That said, multiple rumors started floating around about Pacino’s hatred for his co-star Brando, because of how unfairly he was treated in front of him at the Oscars. However, as it turns out, surprisingly enough, all of those rumors were nothing short of mere pieces of gossip, considering how Pacino even seemed disturbed while addressing and refuting all such rumors.
Al Pacino Clears the Air About His Alleged Feud with Marlon Brando Over The Godfather
Back in 1972, when The Godfather initially hit the theatres,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
Exclusive: Billy Zane portrays Marlon Brando in the upcoming film Waltzing With Brando on set in the late 1960s and early ’70s when Brando purchased the private atoll Tetiaroa in the South Pacific.
It was a time when Brando needed to keep working to fund the environmental projects that he and architect Bernard Judge were undertaking on the island.
“When they called him about the gangster movie, he did it to fund what they were trying to create on Tetiaroa,” said Zane, referring to what would become The Godfather directed by Frances Ford Coppola.
Waltzing With Brando, directed by Bill Fishman, re-creates moments from two of Brando’s landmark pictures: The Godfather and Last Tango In Paris.
Billy Zane re-creates a moment in ‘Waltzing with Brando’ featuring Brando in ‘The Godfather’
The film’s based on the memoir Judge penned called Waltzing with Brando: Planning a Paradise in Tahiti.
The...
It was a time when Brando needed to keep working to fund the environmental projects that he and architect Bernard Judge were undertaking on the island.
“When they called him about the gangster movie, he did it to fund what they were trying to create on Tetiaroa,” said Zane, referring to what would become The Godfather directed by Frances Ford Coppola.
Waltzing With Brando, directed by Bill Fishman, re-creates moments from two of Brando’s landmark pictures: The Godfather and Last Tango In Paris.
Billy Zane re-creates a moment in ‘Waltzing with Brando’ featuring Brando in ‘The Godfather’
The film’s based on the memoir Judge penned called Waltzing with Brando: Planning a Paradise in Tahiti.
The...
- 5/15/2024
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Francis Ford Coppola Accused of Inappropriate Behavior Toward Female Extras ( Photo Credit – IMDb )
In a recent report, Francis Ford Coppola was accused of allegedly harassing on-set female extras on the set of his new movie Megalopolis. Arguably, one of the most prominent filmmakers of our time, Francis Ford Coppola, shared an epic teaser trailer for his upcoming film “Megalopolis” which he described as his “best work” on Tuesday, May 14, ahead of its world premiere at the Cannes International Film Festival.
On the same day the teaser dropped on YouTube and stunned viewers, Guardian published an article that alleged that Coppola demonstrated inappropriate behavior around female extras while on his Megalopolis passion project set. The article accused Coppola of exhibiting “old school” behaviour on sets, including refusing to utilize digital techniques and instead subjecting the actors to gruelling shooting process to “achieve the effect through old-school methods, using projectors and mirrors,...
In a recent report, Francis Ford Coppola was accused of allegedly harassing on-set female extras on the set of his new movie Megalopolis. Arguably, one of the most prominent filmmakers of our time, Francis Ford Coppola, shared an epic teaser trailer for his upcoming film “Megalopolis” which he described as his “best work” on Tuesday, May 14, ahead of its world premiere at the Cannes International Film Festival.
On the same day the teaser dropped on YouTube and stunned viewers, Guardian published an article that alleged that Coppola demonstrated inappropriate behavior around female extras while on his Megalopolis passion project set. The article accused Coppola of exhibiting “old school” behaviour on sets, including refusing to utilize digital techniques and instead subjecting the actors to gruelling shooting process to “achieve the effect through old-school methods, using projectors and mirrors,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Anushree Madappa
- KoiMoi
Francis Ford Coppola is arguably one of the greatest directors in the industry. Having delivered classics that have shaped Hollywood like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, the director has made a lot of films that have defined generations of Hollywood filmmaking. However, the director has gone on record to say that his best film is yet to come, talking about his upcoming masterpiece, set to premiere at Cannes this month.
A still from The Godfather
Francis Ford Coppola has spent the last 40 years coming up with and producing his latest masterpiece, Megalopolis. The director has regarded it as the best project that he has had the privilege to preside over, which is a bold statement given the director’s filmography and tenure in Hollywood.
Work on the Megalopolis screenplay first started in the 1980s A still from Megalopolis | Vanity Fair
The original idea for the film was allegedly conceived in...
A still from The Godfather
Francis Ford Coppola has spent the last 40 years coming up with and producing his latest masterpiece, Megalopolis. The director has regarded it as the best project that he has had the privilege to preside over, which is a bold statement given the director’s filmography and tenure in Hollywood.
Work on the Megalopolis screenplay first started in the 1980s A still from Megalopolis | Vanity Fair
The original idea for the film was allegedly conceived in...
- 5/14/2024
- by Anuraag Chatterjee
- FandomWire
Even though we’ve had set photos, teasers and a confirmed premiere date, it’s still awfully hard to believe that Francis Ford Coppola is finally unleashing Megalopolis to the world. Ahead of its debut at the Cannes Film Festival, we have another trailer that gives us a better look at the world Coppola has had in his head since the days of Apocalypse Now.
In the teaser, we hear a voiceover ponder, “When does an empire die? Does it collapse in one terrible moment? No, no. But there comes a time when people no longer believe in it…” From there, we have statues brought to life, a Roman chariot race, a lavish party, a protest, and oh so much more, all of which give us a better idea of just what Coppola has been up to with Megalopolis. He, too, noted in the description of the video, “Our new...
In the teaser, we hear a voiceover ponder, “When does an empire die? Does it collapse in one terrible moment? No, no. But there comes a time when people no longer believe in it…” From there, we have statues brought to life, a Roman chariot race, a lavish party, a protest, and oh so much more, all of which give us a better idea of just what Coppola has been up to with Megalopolis. He, too, noted in the description of the video, “Our new...
- 5/14/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Francis Ford Coppola has revealed the first look at Megalopolis, his self-funded sci-fi epic starring Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, Shia Labeouf, Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, Talia Shire, Jason Schwartzman, Kathryn Hunter, Grace VanderWaal, Chloe Fineman, James Remar, D.B. Sweeney, and Dustin Hoffman.
A project decades in the making, Coppola financed much of the $120 million film himself. The film is set to premiere at Cannes in May, but has yet to secure a US release.
Megalopolis is described as “a Roman Epic fable set in an imagined Modern America. The City of New Rome must change, causing conflict between Cesar Catilina, a genius artist who seeks to leap into a utopian, idealistic future, and his opposition, Mayor Franklyn Cicero, who remains committed to a regressive status quo, perpetuating greed, special interests, and partisan warfare. Torn between them is socialite Julia Cicero, the mayor’s daughter, whose love...
A project decades in the making, Coppola financed much of the $120 million film himself. The film is set to premiere at Cannes in May, but has yet to secure a US release.
Megalopolis is described as “a Roman Epic fable set in an imagined Modern America. The City of New Rome must change, causing conflict between Cesar Catilina, a genius artist who seeks to leap into a utopian, idealistic future, and his opposition, Mayor Franklyn Cicero, who remains committed to a regressive status quo, perpetuating greed, special interests, and partisan warfare. Torn between them is socialite Julia Cicero, the mayor’s daughter, whose love...
- 5/14/2024
- by Scoop Harrison
- Consequence - Film News
When most cinephiles think of Francis Ford Coppola, they think of his miracle run in the 1970s. During that decade, he directed four films, all of them five-star masterpieces: The Godfather, The Conversation, The Godfather, Part II, and Apocalypse Now. Or they think of embarrassments from his for-hire period, including the Robin Williams weepy Jack. Yet those five films hardly encapsulate the entire career of Francis Ford Coppola, which will likely end with the upcoming Megalopolis. Instead the best indication of Coppola as an artist and filmmaker might be found in the most recent movies he’s made, with Coppola having released three self-produced and self-financed pictures every two years between 2007 and 2011: Youth Without Youth, Twixt, and Tetro.
Although they vary in quality, and none top his work from the ’70s, this independent trio captures the experimental and romantic heart that lies at the center of Coppola’s overall oeuvre.
Although they vary in quality, and none top his work from the ’70s, this independent trio captures the experimental and romantic heart that lies at the center of Coppola’s overall oeuvre.
- 5/14/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Are you ready for the return of the king? It's been 13 years since Francis Ford Coppola helmed a feature film — that would be 2011's weird horror flick "Twixt" — and now he's back in the director's chair to realize his dream project. In the 1980s, Coppola started writing "Megalopolis," an epic, sprawling drama that could very well be his biggest movie ever. He would tinker with the work over the years and finally start shooting second unit footage in 2001.
And then disaster struck, literally. The film's script dealt with the aftermath of a disaster that befalls New York City, and just as Coppola was gearing up to get "Megalopolis" off the ground, the 9/11 attacks changed everything. Realizing that no one at the time would be in the mood to watch a post-disaster movie set in New York, Coppola shelved the project — but he never forgot about it.
Now, the seemingly impossible...
And then disaster struck, literally. The film's script dealt with the aftermath of a disaster that befalls New York City, and just as Coppola was gearing up to get "Megalopolis" off the ground, the 9/11 attacks changed everything. Realizing that no one at the time would be in the mood to watch a post-disaster movie set in New York, Coppola shelved the project — but he never forgot about it.
Now, the seemingly impossible...
- 5/14/2024
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
In just three days' time, Francis Ford Coppola's self-funded passion project Megalopolis — a film over forty years in the making — will make its world premiere at the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. But whilst most of us sadly won't be living it up with Coppola and co on the Croisette this week, we are at least starting to glimpse the fruits of The Godfather filmmaker's labours. Last week we got a first clip of the film, and yesterday — following the news that the mega-budget epic has finally secured UK distribution — Coppola dropped a brand new teaser trailer for his opus. Check it out below:
Missiles raining over the Statue of Liberty. Laurence Fishburne's inimitable tones asking, "When does an Empire die?" Aubrey Plaza eating fruit on a chaise longue like Cleopatra reincarnate. Ben-Hur-evoking chariot racing and Blade Runner-esque cyberpunk tech. Adam Driver serving brooding looks over epic,...
Missiles raining over the Statue of Liberty. Laurence Fishburne's inimitable tones asking, "When does an Empire die?" Aubrey Plaza eating fruit on a chaise longue like Cleopatra reincarnate. Ben-Hur-evoking chariot racing and Blade Runner-esque cyberpunk tech. Adam Driver serving brooding looks over epic,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Jordan King
- Empire - Movies
When Aubrey Plaza first got the call about her role in Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis, she’d literally just stocked up on Godfather-themed keychains and lighters from an actual Godfather gift shop. It should be noted she was not obsessively combing eBay for insane fan memorabilia. In fact, there was a legitimate reason for her purchases: she just happened to be in Taormina, Sicily — the home of The Godfather, if you will — where it was partly shot. And of course there’s a gift shop.
Plaza was, at the time, taking her turn as the maritally-challenged Harper in the second season of the HBO hit series The White Lotus — a role for which she was individually Emmy and Golden Globe nominated. And, when she heard that Coppola wanted to get on Zoom with her, she was also staying in the San Domenico hotel, his old home-from-home during The Godfather shoot.
Plaza was, at the time, taking her turn as the maritally-challenged Harper in the second season of the HBO hit series The White Lotus — a role for which she was individually Emmy and Golden Globe nominated. And, when she heard that Coppola wanted to get on Zoom with her, she was also staying in the San Domenico hotel, his old home-from-home during The Godfather shoot.
- 5/14/2024
- by Antonia Blyth
- Deadline Film + TV
“Our new film ‘Megalopolis’ is the best work I’ve ever had the privilege to preside over,” reads a quote attributed to iconic director Francis Ford Coppola attached to the official trailer for his new epic film.
The picture, which will premiere in competition on Thursday at the Cannes Film Festival, has been a project many years in the making for the director. He first began work on the screenplay in the 1980s.
The legendary filmmaker behind “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now” has invested $120 million of his own money into the film.
The trailer starts with a voice-over musing about the decline of empires – “when does an empire die? Does it collapse in one terrible moment? No, no. But there comes a time when people no longer believe in it” — before cutting to a Roman chariot race, a metropolitan skyscape and scenes of protest.
According to the official synopsis, “‘Megalopolis...
The picture, which will premiere in competition on Thursday at the Cannes Film Festival, has been a project many years in the making for the director. He first began work on the screenplay in the 1980s.
The legendary filmmaker behind “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now” has invested $120 million of his own money into the film.
The trailer starts with a voice-over musing about the decline of empires – “when does an empire die? Does it collapse in one terrible moment? No, no. But there comes a time when people no longer believe in it” — before cutting to a Roman chariot race, a metropolitan skyscape and scenes of protest.
According to the official synopsis, “‘Megalopolis...
- 5/14/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The director has spent half his life and $120m of his own money to make his sci-fi epic. Just days ahead of its debut in Cannes, some of his crew members are questioning his methods
‘My greatest fear is to make a really shitty, embarrassing, pompous film on an important subject, and I am doing it,” Francis Ford Coppola said in 1978. “I will tell you right straight from the most sincere depths of my heart, the film will not be good.” The film was Apocalypse Now, and it was good, and the rest is history.
Part of that history has been Coppola’s reputation as an intrepid adventurer who was prepared to risk everything, to defy the studio suits, to go to the brink of ruin and madness, all for the sake of art. The making of Apocalypse Now cemented that legend – the epic scale, the jungle insanity, the heart attacks,...
‘My greatest fear is to make a really shitty, embarrassing, pompous film on an important subject, and I am doing it,” Francis Ford Coppola said in 1978. “I will tell you right straight from the most sincere depths of my heart, the film will not be good.” The film was Apocalypse Now, and it was good, and the rest is history.
Part of that history has been Coppola’s reputation as an intrepid adventurer who was prepared to risk everything, to defy the studio suits, to go to the brink of ruin and madness, all for the sake of art. The making of Apocalypse Now cemented that legend – the epic scale, the jungle insanity, the heart attacks,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
It’s been just a few hours since Nathalie Emmanuel has seen Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis for the first time, and she’s settling on the right words to describe the experience.
“It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen,” says the actress, talking over Zoom from London in late April, as she pauses for a second to collect her thoughts.
Coppola’s epic, which will have its red carpet world premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, casts Emmanuel in a starring role opposite a stacked ensemble that includes Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Aubrey Plaza, Shia Labeouf, Dustin Hoffman, Laurence Fishburne and Jason Schwartzman. “The movie feels like a real call to arms,” she says. “It asks big questions. In spite of all the horrible, hard and devastating realities of the world that we live in, how can we make it better? It feels like there’s hope or a possibility for something better.
“It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen,” says the actress, talking over Zoom from London in late April, as she pauses for a second to collect her thoughts.
Coppola’s epic, which will have its red carpet world premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, casts Emmanuel in a starring role opposite a stacked ensemble that includes Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Aubrey Plaza, Shia Labeouf, Dustin Hoffman, Laurence Fishburne and Jason Schwartzman. “The movie feels like a real call to arms,” she says. “It asks big questions. In spite of all the horrible, hard and devastating realities of the world that we live in, how can we make it better? It feels like there’s hope or a possibility for something better.
- 5/14/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Quentin Tarantino‘s movies have a lot in common with Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, as they are all violent, funny, and intelligently crafted. Tarantino may have gone too far by saying Jaws was once the greatest movie ever made. He contrasted Jaws with films from an earlier generation.
Quentin Tarantino said ‘Jaws’ was so much better than every previous movie
In his 2022 book Cinema Speculation, the Kill Bill director had a lot to say about a certain movie about a giant shark. “When Jaws came out in 1975 it might not have been the best film ever made,” he wrote. “But it was easily the best movie ever made. Nothing ever made before it even came close.”
Tarantino’s take is provocative. Spielberg released Jaws in 1975. By that point, many of the most widely beloved films of all time had come out, including The Wizard of Oz, The Ten Commandments, and The Sound of Music.
Quentin Tarantino said ‘Jaws’ was so much better than every previous movie
In his 2022 book Cinema Speculation, the Kill Bill director had a lot to say about a certain movie about a giant shark. “When Jaws came out in 1975 it might not have been the best film ever made,” he wrote. “But it was easily the best movie ever made. Nothing ever made before it even came close.”
Tarantino’s take is provocative. Spielberg released Jaws in 1975. By that point, many of the most widely beloved films of all time had come out, including The Wizard of Oz, The Ten Commandments, and The Sound of Music.
- 5/14/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Before "Star Wars," there was "Thx 1138." A strange, dystopic science fiction movie packed with big ideas up to its eyeballs, "Thx 1138" is now mostly known as the feature directorial debut of one George Walton Lucas Jr. (though it also came back in conversation when the best episode of "Andor" paid homage to it). The future Lucasfilm founder originally created this story of repressed emotions and stymied sexuality as a student film, but by the time it was reimagined as a feature, it had gained backing from Warner Bros.
Lucas' American Zoetrope co-founder Francis Ford Coppola also had faith in the movie, and served as one of its producers. "Thx 1138" starred Robert Duvall, then already known for his work on stage and television, not to mention in films like "To Kill A Mockingbird," "M*A*S*H," and "True Grit." Future "Halloween" actor Donald Pleasence co-starred, along with a then-unknown actress named Maggie McOmie.
Lucas' American Zoetrope co-founder Francis Ford Coppola also had faith in the movie, and served as one of its producers. "Thx 1138" starred Robert Duvall, then already known for his work on stage and television, not to mention in films like "To Kill A Mockingbird," "M*A*S*H," and "True Grit." Future "Halloween" actor Donald Pleasence co-starred, along with a then-unknown actress named Maggie McOmie.
- 5/12/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
A quick question: Do you like The Godfather? How about Goodfellas? Or Gremlins? Or Stop Making Sense, Avatar, Apollo 13, Chinatown, Easy Rider, Paper Moon, Lone Star, or roughly 90 percent of any movies featuring monsters terrorizing pretty ladies from the last 50 years?
You have, in so many ways, Roger Corman to thank for all of them. A producer, director and writer who became a patron saint to an entire generation of filmmakers, the “King of the Bs” either gave the artists behind those movies their start or helped give them...
You have, in so many ways, Roger Corman to thank for all of them. A producer, director and writer who became a patron saint to an entire generation of filmmakers, the “King of the Bs” either gave the artists behind those movies their start or helped give them...
- 5/12/2024
- by David Fear
- Rollingstone.com
10. Bill Cutting from Gangs of New York (2002)
Authoritarian, ruthless, and cunning, Daniel Day Lewis’ Bill the Butcher stole the screen in Gangs of New York every time he appeared. His presence alone was menacing enough to make people drop on their knees and pray, and his impeccable skills with the knife only added a flair of danger to the man that already embodied it.
9. Nucky Thompson from Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014)
Nucky’s silver tongue and immaculate looks made him into the most charming type of gangster: the one everyone loves. Thanks to his persuasive skills and the ability to seamlessly blend his legal and illegal businesses, Steve Buscemi’s Nucky controlled the entirety of Atlantic City with few who could — or wanted to — oppose him.
8. Frank Costello from The Departed (2006)
Jack Nicholson managed to make his Frank Costello a proper charmer. This Irish crime lord preferred to largely stay behind the scenes,...
Authoritarian, ruthless, and cunning, Daniel Day Lewis’ Bill the Butcher stole the screen in Gangs of New York every time he appeared. His presence alone was menacing enough to make people drop on their knees and pray, and his impeccable skills with the knife only added a flair of danger to the man that already embodied it.
9. Nucky Thompson from Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014)
Nucky’s silver tongue and immaculate looks made him into the most charming type of gangster: the one everyone loves. Thanks to his persuasive skills and the ability to seamlessly blend his legal and illegal businesses, Steve Buscemi’s Nucky controlled the entirety of Atlantic City with few who could — or wanted to — oppose him.
8. Frank Costello from The Departed (2006)
Jack Nicholson managed to make his Frank Costello a proper charmer. This Irish crime lord preferred to largely stay behind the scenes,...
- 5/12/2024
- by dean-black@startefacts.com (Dean Black)
- STartefacts.com
Roger Corman, who directed and produced countless B-movies and championed future industry stalwarts Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, and Jack Nicholson, died at his home in Santa Monica, California on May 9, Variety reports. He was 98.
“His films were revolutionary and iconoclastic, and captured the spirit of an age. When asked how he would like to be remembered, he said, ‘I was a filmmaker, just that,’” the family said in a statement to the outlet.
For nearly five decades, he dominated the B-movie market, with films that ranged from his early work in the Fifties,...
“His films were revolutionary and iconoclastic, and captured the spirit of an age. When asked how he would like to be remembered, he said, ‘I was a filmmaker, just that,’” the family said in a statement to the outlet.
For nearly five decades, he dominated the B-movie market, with films that ranged from his early work in the Fifties,...
- 5/12/2024
- by Althea Legaspi and Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
For as much as Al Pacino is known for his quiet intensity — especially in the reticent and calculating role of Michael Corleone in "The Godfather" — what comes to mind when we think of the actor are usually his loud outbursts. It's amazing that such vocal power comes from this short king. But Al Pacino doesn't just yell for the sake of being overdramatic, he uses his voice to capture how the high emotions of his characters bubble to the surface, especially in high-stress situations. While some of these screaming scenes verge on self-parody, there's no denying their impact on his legacy. Pacino's volcanic energy is rooted in his love of theatre, where actors are not afraid to go big and loud. As an actor with a passion for Shakespeare, Al Pacino has a deep understanding of how important voice is in a role. He recognizes that dialogue should be treated like music,...
- 5/11/2024
- by Caroline Madden
- Slash Film
Some cliche somewhere said that ‘a picture is worth a thousand words.’ This has proven to be the case for me and especially when it comes to fan art. I have always sought out great fan art and have wanted to share it with as many people as possible. “Awesome Art We’ve Found Around The Net” is the outlet for that passion. In this column, I will showcase the kick-ass artwork of some great artists, with the hopes that these artists get the attention they deserve. That’s the aim. If you have any questions or comments, or even suggestions of art or other great artists, feel free to contact me at any time at theodorebond@joblo.com.
Black Swan by Sinossi
Darth Vader by John Gallagher
The Godfather by Ruiz Burgos
Mega Man X by Jerry Padilla
Planet of the Apes by Jason Edmiston
Reservoir Dogs by El...
Black Swan by Sinossi
Darth Vader by John Gallagher
The Godfather by Ruiz Burgos
Mega Man X by Jerry Padilla
Planet of the Apes by Jason Edmiston
Reservoir Dogs by El...
- 5/11/2024
- by Theodore Bond
- JoBlo.com
When it comes to trilogies, the third one often ends up being the weakest of them all, and unfortunately, Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather 3 wasn’t immune to it. Released in 1990, 16 years after the sequel, the film failed to live up to the bar set by its predecessors, which are often regarded as some of the best the medium of cinema has to offer.
Moreover, due to salary disputes, the threequel didn’t see Robert Duvall’s Tom Hagen return, a character that was pivotal to Michael Corleone’s story in the first two entries. Later, when asked about his decision to stay out of the third one, Duvall had a pretty candid response.
Robert Duvall’s Absence From The Godfather III Boiled Down to Economics
A still from The Godfather | Paramount Pictures
It’s no secret that the main motivation behind reviving the franchise after over a decade was money.
Moreover, due to salary disputes, the threequel didn’t see Robert Duvall’s Tom Hagen return, a character that was pivotal to Michael Corleone’s story in the first two entries. Later, when asked about his decision to stay out of the third one, Duvall had a pretty candid response.
Robert Duvall’s Absence From The Godfather III Boiled Down to Economics
A still from The Godfather | Paramount Pictures
It’s no secret that the main motivation behind reviving the franchise after over a decade was money.
- 5/11/2024
- by Santanu Roy
- FandomWire
10. On The Waterfront (1954)
A Marlon Brando classic, On the Waterfront follows a simple dockworker who, upon learning that he works for a criminal syndicate, decides to stand up to those corrupt and vile people — including his own elder brother. The reason? He might be in love with a syndicate victim’s sister.
On Rotten Tomatoes, On the Waterfront has 99 and 95% Critic and Audience Scores, respectively.
9. Chinatown (1974)
Starring Jack Nicholson at his prime, Chinatown is a noir story with a classic private investigator main character. Having been hired to expose an adulterer, he soon learns that his employer was an impostor, and gets entangled in a mess of lies and murder alongside them.
On Rotten Tomatoes, Chinatown has 98 and 93% Critic and Audience Scores, respectively.
8. Toy Story 2 (1999)
Didn’t expect to see this one on this list, did you? In Toy Story 2, we follow the gang on their path to...
A Marlon Brando classic, On the Waterfront follows a simple dockworker who, upon learning that he works for a criminal syndicate, decides to stand up to those corrupt and vile people — including his own elder brother. The reason? He might be in love with a syndicate victim’s sister.
On Rotten Tomatoes, On the Waterfront has 99 and 95% Critic and Audience Scores, respectively.
9. Chinatown (1974)
Starring Jack Nicholson at his prime, Chinatown is a noir story with a classic private investigator main character. Having been hired to expose an adulterer, he soon learns that his employer was an impostor, and gets entangled in a mess of lies and murder alongside them.
On Rotten Tomatoes, Chinatown has 98 and 93% Critic and Audience Scores, respectively.
8. Toy Story 2 (1999)
Didn’t expect to see this one on this list, did you? In Toy Story 2, we follow the gang on their path to...
- 5/9/2024
- by dean-black@startefacts.com (Dean Black)
- STartefacts.com
George Lucas’ extensive Star Wars saga features some of the most iconic and memorable movie characters of all time and surprisingly, The Godfather filmmaker served as the inspiration for one of the central figures in the franchise, Han Solo.
The epic space opera has been influenced by several sources, including its creator’s fellow filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, which he later admitted. Coppola explained the various traits that inspired Lucas to base the role of Han Solo on him.
Han Solo in Star Wars | Credit: Lucasfilm
Francis Ford Coppola’s Daring Nature Inspired Han Solo in Star Wars
Francis Ford Coppola, the name behind iconic movies like The Godfather trilogy and Apocalypse Now, has not only left an indelible mark on the cinema but has also served as an inspiration for one of the most iconic cinematic characters of all time, Han Solo, portrayed by Harrison Ford in Star Wars.
The epic space opera has been influenced by several sources, including its creator’s fellow filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, which he later admitted. Coppola explained the various traits that inspired Lucas to base the role of Han Solo on him.
Han Solo in Star Wars | Credit: Lucasfilm
Francis Ford Coppola’s Daring Nature Inspired Han Solo in Star Wars
Francis Ford Coppola, the name behind iconic movies like The Godfather trilogy and Apocalypse Now, has not only left an indelible mark on the cinema but has also served as an inspiration for one of the most iconic cinematic characters of all time, Han Solo, portrayed by Harrison Ford in Star Wars.
- 5/9/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
Robert De Niro’s film legacy is being toasted for his 80th birthday in 2024.
During the annual Tribeca Festival, which will take place June 5 through 16, will be an inaugural De Niro Con celebration of the Oscar winner’s filmography. Auteurs Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and David O. Russell will revisit their collaborations with De Niro for panel discussions post-screenings, while De Niro’s former co-stars Christopher Walken, Billy Crystal, and more are set to add to the celebrations.
The three-day tribute will take place at Spring Studios from June 14 through 16. De Niro Con is powered by Webex Events, allowing fans to download an exclusive app to make the most of their Con experience.
Programming includes a screening series with 13 classic De Niro films, including the 50th anniversary of “Mean Streets,” live conversations with long-time collaborators, career-spanning exhibit “De Niro Is an Icon: An Exhibit & Immersive Film” with more than 300 curated...
During the annual Tribeca Festival, which will take place June 5 through 16, will be an inaugural De Niro Con celebration of the Oscar winner’s filmography. Auteurs Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and David O. Russell will revisit their collaborations with De Niro for panel discussions post-screenings, while De Niro’s former co-stars Christopher Walken, Billy Crystal, and more are set to add to the celebrations.
The three-day tribute will take place at Spring Studios from June 14 through 16. De Niro Con is powered by Webex Events, allowing fans to download an exclusive app to make the most of their Con experience.
Programming includes a screening series with 13 classic De Niro films, including the 50th anniversary of “Mean Streets,” live conversations with long-time collaborators, career-spanning exhibit “De Niro Is an Icon: An Exhibit & Immersive Film” with more than 300 curated...
- 5/8/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Getting ahold of Paramount-owned franchises could be a dream for Sony, but big regulatory issues stand in its way.
Sony has spent the last decade doing things a little differently than Hollywood-based entertainment companies. That makes plenty of sense, considering that so much of Sony’s revenue comes from other sources than its TV and movie productions; video game sales and hardware manufacturing are the company’s true bread and butter. But the company could be about to undergo a big shift, as it has joined private equity company Apollo Global Management to make a $26 billion offer to acquire Paramount Global. There are plenty of obstacles to clear before a deal can be made, but if the transaction does eventually go through, Sony will be able to evolve to a new level of content arms dealing that has made the company so successful in recent years.
Key Details: Paramount owns some highly popular franchises,...
Sony has spent the last decade doing things a little differently than Hollywood-based entertainment companies. That makes plenty of sense, considering that so much of Sony’s revenue comes from other sources than its TV and movie productions; video game sales and hardware manufacturing are the company’s true bread and butter. But the company could be about to undergo a big shift, as it has joined private equity company Apollo Global Management to make a $26 billion offer to acquire Paramount Global. There are plenty of obstacles to clear before a deal can be made, but if the transaction does eventually go through, Sony will be able to evolve to a new level of content arms dealing that has made the company so successful in recent years.
Key Details: Paramount owns some highly popular franchises,...
- 5/8/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Naming the best movie in history is quite an ambitious task. Ask a hundred movie buffs what their favorite movie is and they will all come up with their own answer – from The Lord of the Rings to Apocalypse Now to Alien.
But Rotten Tomatoes took on this impossible mission and compiled a list of the 300 best movies of all time based on critics' scores, user scores, number of reviews, and other factors. And the first place movie was one that (almost) no one expected.
If the second and third places were taken by The Godfather and Casablanca – classic films that everyone with even a passing interest in cinema has seen–- then the first place went to the 1997 noir detective story L.A. Confidential.
What is L.A. Confidential About?
Three very different detectives – Bud White (Russell Crowe), Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey) and Ed Exley (Guy Pearce) – are investigating a mass murder.
But Rotten Tomatoes took on this impossible mission and compiled a list of the 300 best movies of all time based on critics' scores, user scores, number of reviews, and other factors. And the first place movie was one that (almost) no one expected.
If the second and third places were taken by The Godfather and Casablanca – classic films that everyone with even a passing interest in cinema has seen–- then the first place went to the 1997 noir detective story L.A. Confidential.
What is L.A. Confidential About?
Three very different detectives – Bud White (Russell Crowe), Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey) and Ed Exley (Guy Pearce) – are investigating a mass murder.
- 5/8/2024
- by zoe-wallace@startefacts.com (Zoe Wallace)
- STartefacts.com
Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone was met with mixed reviews upon its premiere but the show went on to age like fine wine with its subsequent seasons. The neo-western series also got itself two prequel series, 1883 and 1923. Soon, fans will get to see two more spin-offs – 6666 and 1944 – which have already been confirmed by Paramount. Clearly, Taylor Sheridan is not coming in slow.
A still from Yellowstone
In a recent interview, Taylor Sheridan was asked about the level of creative freedom he has had while working with Paramount. To this, the creator of the show had nothing to say except unending praise for the former chief of Paramount, the late Robert Evans, who was responsible for some of the best movies that the company had made, including The Godfather.
Taylor Sheridan Talks about Paramount’s Robert Evans
Taylor Sheridan as Travis Wheatley in Yellowstone
Taylor Sheridan is a once-in-a-generation creative powerhouse. He...
A still from Yellowstone
In a recent interview, Taylor Sheridan was asked about the level of creative freedom he has had while working with Paramount. To this, the creator of the show had nothing to say except unending praise for the former chief of Paramount, the late Robert Evans, who was responsible for some of the best movies that the company had made, including The Godfather.
Taylor Sheridan Talks about Paramount’s Robert Evans
Taylor Sheridan as Travis Wheatley in Yellowstone
Taylor Sheridan is a once-in-a-generation creative powerhouse. He...
- 5/5/2024
- by Mishkaat Khan
- FandomWire
Movie fans love to discover behind-the-scenes tidbits about their favorite films, and there are few movie facts more exciting than an improvised line or scene. Stories of improvisation remind us that filmmaking is a collaborative, creative process, and that sometimes the most unexpected ideas make the biggest impact.
Writers and directors lay the foundation and set the scene, while it's up to actors to make the characters their own. Take one of the most classic lines in "The Godfather," a perfect example of improvisation upon a strong foundation. The phrase "leave the gun," was written in the script, but actor Richard Castellano added the line "take the cannoli," turning it into the iconic catchphrase it is today. Clearly, Francis Ford Coppola's decision to keep that ad-lib in the final cut was the right one.
We now turn our attention to the world of science fiction, where actors are often...
Writers and directors lay the foundation and set the scene, while it's up to actors to make the characters their own. Take one of the most classic lines in "The Godfather," a perfect example of improvisation upon a strong foundation. The phrase "leave the gun," was written in the script, but actor Richard Castellano added the line "take the cannoli," turning it into the iconic catchphrase it is today. Clearly, Francis Ford Coppola's decision to keep that ad-lib in the final cut was the right one.
We now turn our attention to the world of science fiction, where actors are often...
- 5/5/2024
- by Kira Deshler
- Slash Film
Adam Driver is on the edge in the first official teaser for Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis.”
“Megalopolis,” which will premiere in competition at the Cannes Film Festival, has been a project years in the making for the director, who first began work on the screenplay in the 1980s. The legendary filmmaker behind “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now” has invested $120 million of his own money into the film.
When asked by GQ about the potential repercussions of self-funding such a massive endeavor, the director responded, “I couldn’t care less about the financial impact whatsoever. It means nothing to me.”
“Megalopolis” sports an all-star cast, with Driver leading the pack alongside Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, Shia Labeouf, Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, Talia Shire, Jason Schwartzman, Kathryn Hunter, Grace VanderWaal, Chloe Fineman, James Remar, D.B. Sweeney, and Dustin Hoffman.
According to the official synopsis, “‘Megalopolis’ is a...
“Megalopolis,” which will premiere in competition at the Cannes Film Festival, has been a project years in the making for the director, who first began work on the screenplay in the 1980s. The legendary filmmaker behind “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now” has invested $120 million of his own money into the film.
When asked by GQ about the potential repercussions of self-funding such a massive endeavor, the director responded, “I couldn’t care less about the financial impact whatsoever. It means nothing to me.”
“Megalopolis” sports an all-star cast, with Driver leading the pack alongside Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, Shia Labeouf, Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, Talia Shire, Jason Schwartzman, Kathryn Hunter, Grace VanderWaal, Chloe Fineman, James Remar, D.B. Sweeney, and Dustin Hoffman.
According to the official synopsis, “‘Megalopolis’ is a...
- 5/4/2024
- by McKinley Franklin
- Variety Film + TV
Adam Driver will be next seen headlining Francis Ford Coppola’s epic sci-fi dream project Megalopolis. The film sees an ensemble cast that includes Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jon Voight, Aubrey Plaza, Shia Labeouf, and more. Coppola recently released a teaser for the film which sees Driver stop time with a watch as he stands atop a building overlooking New York.
Coppola’s magnum opus has been in the making since the ‘80s, with the filmmaker reportedly financing the film himself by selling a part of his wine empire. While the film struggles to find a distributor, Driver’s comments on the film and his character, Cesar, have excited fans more than anything.
Adam Driver Compares His Megalopolis Character To Francis Ford Coppola A still from Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis
Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola has been at the forefront of redefining films for a whole generation. The director’s...
Coppola’s magnum opus has been in the making since the ‘80s, with the filmmaker reportedly financing the film himself by selling a part of his wine empire. While the film struggles to find a distributor, Driver’s comments on the film and his character, Cesar, have excited fans more than anything.
Adam Driver Compares His Megalopolis Character To Francis Ford Coppola A still from Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis
Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola has been at the forefront of redefining films for a whole generation. The director’s...
- 5/4/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Francis Ford Coppola's "Megalopolis" has been in the works for decades, and at last, the first clip from the film has been released ahead of its Cannes Film Festival premiere later this month. It's just two minutes long, but the film finally feels real, not like a vanished dream.
We at /Film named "Megalopolis" one of our most anticipated movies of 2024, and it should be one of yours too. It's the "Godfather" director's first film since 2011's "Twixt," and it was self-financed (meaning creative freedom for Coppola). It also boasts an incredible ensemble, led by Adam Driver and Giancarlo Esposito.
In "Megalopolis," a city is destroyed in a natural disaster. Idealistic urban planner Cesar (Driver) and Mayor Frank Cicero (Esposito) clash on their visions to rebuild the city, with Cicero's daughter Julia (Nathalie Emmanuel) coming between them. The first look at the film suggests it may be even...
We at /Film named "Megalopolis" one of our most anticipated movies of 2024, and it should be one of yours too. It's the "Godfather" director's first film since 2011's "Twixt," and it was self-financed (meaning creative freedom for Coppola). It also boasts an incredible ensemble, led by Adam Driver and Giancarlo Esposito.
In "Megalopolis," a city is destroyed in a natural disaster. Idealistic urban planner Cesar (Driver) and Mayor Frank Cicero (Esposito) clash on their visions to rebuild the city, with Cicero's daughter Julia (Nathalie Emmanuel) coming between them. The first look at the film suggests it may be even...
- 5/4/2024
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Back in 1981, Francis Ford Coppola risked everything with his musical One from the Heart to challenge the studios’ ways and revolutionize cinema. Unfortunately, it ended up being a box office disaster, which pushed him into a decade of financial turmoil. Moreover, its failure also led to Megalopolis, whose script he conceived around the same time period, being put on ice.
Since then, the legendary filmmaker has been working tirelessly to get his dream project greenlit, but the corporate heads at studios never gave it the get-go following its experimental nature. Fast forward to 2019, reports revealed that Coppola was self-financing the $120 million film and the teaser released for the sci-fi drama has left fans in awe, which rivals the likes of Interstellar and Dune.
Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis Teaser Leaves Fans Enthralled
Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis
Set to debut at the 77th Cannes Film Festival 2024, Francis Ford Coppola finally...
Since then, the legendary filmmaker has been working tirelessly to get his dream project greenlit, but the corporate heads at studios never gave it the get-go following its experimental nature. Fast forward to 2019, reports revealed that Coppola was self-financing the $120 million film and the teaser released for the sci-fi drama has left fans in awe, which rivals the likes of Interstellar and Dune.
Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis Teaser Leaves Fans Enthralled
Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis
Set to debut at the 77th Cannes Film Festival 2024, Francis Ford Coppola finally...
- 5/4/2024
- by Santanu Roy
- FandomWire
One of cinema’s living legends, at 85 years old, filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola has finally made “Megalopolis,” an ambitious sci-fi epic he’s been dreaming of making since the 1980s. With the film set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival later this month, in a matter of days, French distributor Le Pacte has released the first look teaser of the movie.
Continue reading ‘Megalopolis’ Teaser Trailer: Adam Driver Stops Time In First Look At Francis Ford Coppola’s Upcoming Dramatic Epic at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Megalopolis’ Teaser Trailer: Adam Driver Stops Time In First Look At Francis Ford Coppola’s Upcoming Dramatic Epic at The Playlist.
- 5/4/2024
- by Rodrigo Perez
- The Playlist
I’ve predicted Megalopolis, anticipated as it is, will have a clear dividing point: the cultural commentariat hoping to see “another film by the director of The Godfather” and those who appreciate “something that looks and sounds like a Star Wars prequel.” I am very firmly in the latter, was duly excited by the first image, and can only be pleased with the time-stopping debut teaser, arriving today via Le Pacte.
It comes with a sad addenedum. Coppola, sharing the teaser on Instagram, noted:
Megalopolis has always been a film dedicated to my dear wife Eleanor. I really had hoped to celebrate her birthday together this May 4th. But sadly that was not to be, so let me share with everyone a gift on her behalf.
As Coppola recently told Vanity Fair, “I wouldn’t have been able to make it without standing as I do on the shoulders of G.B. Shaw,...
It comes with a sad addenedum. Coppola, sharing the teaser on Instagram, noted:
Megalopolis has always been a film dedicated to my dear wife Eleanor. I really had hoped to celebrate her birthday together this May 4th. But sadly that was not to be, so let me share with everyone a gift on her behalf.
As Coppola recently told Vanity Fair, “I wouldn’t have been able to make it without standing as I do on the shoulders of G.B. Shaw,...
- 5/4/2024
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
"Don't get involved in this, Mr. Caul." Don't get involved in what?! Who is after him?! Studiocanal UK has revealed a new re-release trailer for Francis Ford Coppola's The Conversation, for its 50th anniversary this year. The film initially opened in 1974 and premiered at the 1974 Cannes Film Festival, meaning he is back again premiering his newest film (Megalopolis) at Cannes 2024 a full 50 years later. "To mark the 50th anniversary of Francis Ford Coppola’s seminal neo-noir thriller, The Conversation, we are is thrilled to announce a brand-new 4K restoration of the film to UK cinemas on July 5th." This paranoia masterpiece stars Gene Hackman as sound surveillance expert Harry Caul, who hears something while taping a couple. A paranoid, secretive surveillance expert has a crisis of conscience when he suspects that the couple he is spying on will be murdered. The ensemble cast also includes John Cazale, Allen Garfield,...
- 5/2/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Seldom have actors in the history of Tinseltown left as much of an enduring legacy as Marlon Brando. The late actor’s legacy can still be felt in the film industry, thanks to his iconic roles in flicks like The Godfather and A Streetcar Named Desire. But one of his most elusive and challenging roles was in Francis Coppola’s 1979 epic war movie, Apocalypse Now.
Did we mention that this was the role that paved the way for one of the most enduring villains in recent superhero cinema?
Marlon Brando in The Godfather (Image credit: Paramount Pictures)
Josh Brolin brought Thanos to life in Avengers: Infinity War (2018) in a way that had never been seen before in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And according to the actor himself, his inspiration came from Brando’s portrayal in Apocalypse Now.
After all, Brando pushed the envelope with his portrayal of rebellious military officer Colonel Kurtz.
Did we mention that this was the role that paved the way for one of the most enduring villains in recent superhero cinema?
Marlon Brando in The Godfather (Image credit: Paramount Pictures)
Josh Brolin brought Thanos to life in Avengers: Infinity War (2018) in a way that had never been seen before in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And according to the actor himself, his inspiration came from Brando’s portrayal in Apocalypse Now.
After all, Brando pushed the envelope with his portrayal of rebellious military officer Colonel Kurtz.
- 5/2/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
10. James Arness (1923–2011)
James Arness is primarily recognized for his iconic portrayal of Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running prime-time Western TV show Gunsmoke.
From 1955 to 1975, Arness entertained the audience by keeping the peace in Dodge City, but he also starred in legendary movies like Them!, Hondo, The Farmer's Daughter, and others.
9. Lee Marvin (1924–1987)
Famous for his tough and brutal character, Lee Marvin was just as masculine off-screen as he was in his movies. He blew up after portraying Kid Shelleen in Cat Ballou and went on to star in other iconic Western movies, including The Dirty Dozen, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, The Big Red One, and many others.
8. Sam Elliott (1944–Now)
Sharp and rugged, Sam Elliot was born to portray gruffly cowboys with a no-bs attitude. His iconic mustache broke many hearts, and the actor didn’t become less popular after Westerns died off: since his famous Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,...
James Arness is primarily recognized for his iconic portrayal of Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running prime-time Western TV show Gunsmoke.
From 1955 to 1975, Arness entertained the audience by keeping the peace in Dodge City, but he also starred in legendary movies like Them!, Hondo, The Farmer's Daughter, and others.
9. Lee Marvin (1924–1987)
Famous for his tough and brutal character, Lee Marvin was just as masculine off-screen as he was in his movies. He blew up after portraying Kid Shelleen in Cat Ballou and went on to star in other iconic Western movies, including The Dirty Dozen, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, The Big Red One, and many others.
8. Sam Elliott (1944–Now)
Sharp and rugged, Sam Elliot was born to portray gruffly cowboys with a no-bs attitude. His iconic mustache broke many hearts, and the actor didn’t become less popular after Westerns died off: since his famous Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,...
- 5/1/2024
- by dean-black@startefacts.com (Dean Black)
- STartefacts.com
You know that feeling when you’re watching a scene, and it feels so natural that you wonder if the actors just went off-script? Well, guess what?
Sometimes they did, and those moments turned out to be pure gold! It’s like stumbling upon hidden treasure, and today, I’m taking you on a wild ride through 10 of the most incredible scenes that weren’t even planned but still made it to the final cut.
Get ready to be amazed, laugh out loud, and raise an eyebrow in surprise as we dive into the unscripted moments that add an extra sprinkle of magic to our favorite films and series.
Grab your popcorn – this is going to be a blast!
1. ‘The Dark Knight’ – Joker Clapping
Heath Ledger‘s portrayal of the Joker left an indelible mark on cinema history.
One of the film’s most chilling and iconic moments wasn’t scripted at all.
Sometimes they did, and those moments turned out to be pure gold! It’s like stumbling upon hidden treasure, and today, I’m taking you on a wild ride through 10 of the most incredible scenes that weren’t even planned but still made it to the final cut.
Get ready to be amazed, laugh out loud, and raise an eyebrow in surprise as we dive into the unscripted moments that add an extra sprinkle of magic to our favorite films and series.
Grab your popcorn – this is going to be a blast!
1. ‘The Dark Knight’ – Joker Clapping
Heath Ledger‘s portrayal of the Joker left an indelible mark on cinema history.
One of the film’s most chilling and iconic moments wasn’t scripted at all.
- 5/1/2024
- by Pia Vermaak
- buddytv.com
Francis Ford Coppola has made some of the most defining American films of all time, including The Godfather trilogy and Apocalypse Now. Although not every film in his oeuvre holds such a vaunted place in cinema history, Coppola’s over 60-year career deserves a titanic close. Megalopolis promises to be just such a proper ending with its ambitious self-funding and a massive cast led by Adam Driver. Coppola has been gathering ideas about the project for as long as he’s been making movies, but the kernel of the concept goes back even farther.
“The seeds for Megalopolis were planted when as a kid I saw H.G. Wells’ Things to Come,” Coppola wrote in a statement to Vanity Fair. “This 1930s [Alexander] Korda classic is about building the world of tomorrow, and has always been with me, first as the ‘boy scientist’ I was and later as a filmmaker.” Directed by William Cameron Menzies,...
“The seeds for Megalopolis were planted when as a kid I saw H.G. Wells’ Things to Come,” Coppola wrote in a statement to Vanity Fair. “This 1930s [Alexander] Korda classic is about building the world of tomorrow, and has always been with me, first as the ‘boy scientist’ I was and later as a filmmaker.” Directed by William Cameron Menzies,...
- 4/30/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Though Megalopolis still doesn't have a distributor, the movie is expected to release before the end of the year, and we have a first official look at the sci-fi epic's main characters.
A lot of people were pleasantly surprised when Francis Ford Coppola's passion project came to fruition after the legendary filmmaker's previous failed attempts to get his vision off the ground, but the Godfather director announced that he had returned to the project back in 2019, and cameras started rolling in 2022.
Despite reports of some significant production issues, the movie wrapped late last year, and Vanity Fair has now shared the first official stills.
The images feature Star Wars actor Adam Driver as "an idealistic architect named Caesar, who hopes to rebuild the once great city, while Game of Thrones alum Emmanuel plays Julia Cicero, "the socialite daughter of a corrupt mayor (played by Giancarlo Esposito), and Driver’s character’s nemesis.
A lot of people were pleasantly surprised when Francis Ford Coppola's passion project came to fruition after the legendary filmmaker's previous failed attempts to get his vision off the ground, but the Godfather director announced that he had returned to the project back in 2019, and cameras started rolling in 2022.
Despite reports of some significant production issues, the movie wrapped late last year, and Vanity Fair has now shared the first official stills.
The images feature Star Wars actor Adam Driver as "an idealistic architect named Caesar, who hopes to rebuild the once great city, while Game of Thrones alum Emmanuel plays Julia Cicero, "the socialite daughter of a corrupt mayor (played by Giancarlo Esposito), and Driver’s character’s nemesis.
- 4/30/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
“Megalopolis” is finally here.
Francis Ford Coppola’s $120 million self-funded “Roman epic” debuted its first look featuring “Megalopolis” stars Adam Driver and Nathalie Emmanuel who play a couple caught up in the revolutionary destruction of a utopian society.
Driver plays an idealistic architect and artist who is planning to rebuild a city that has fallen in part due to a corrupt mayor (Giancarlo Esposito). “Game of Thrones” alum Emmanuel stars as the mayor’s socialite daughter. The ensemble cast includes Aubrey Plaza, Shia Labeouf, Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, Chloe Fineman, Kathryn Hunter, Dustin Hoffman, D.B. Sweeney, Jason Schwartzman, Baily Ives, Grace Vanderwaal, and James Remar.
“Megalopolis” is debuting in competition at Cannes. Coppola told Vanity Fair that the long-gestating project was rewritten more than “300 times” across decades.
“I wasn’t really working on this screenplay for 40 years as I often see written, but rather I was collecting notes and clippings...
Francis Ford Coppola’s $120 million self-funded “Roman epic” debuted its first look featuring “Megalopolis” stars Adam Driver and Nathalie Emmanuel who play a couple caught up in the revolutionary destruction of a utopian society.
Driver plays an idealistic architect and artist who is planning to rebuild a city that has fallen in part due to a corrupt mayor (Giancarlo Esposito). “Game of Thrones” alum Emmanuel stars as the mayor’s socialite daughter. The ensemble cast includes Aubrey Plaza, Shia Labeouf, Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, Chloe Fineman, Kathryn Hunter, Dustin Hoffman, D.B. Sweeney, Jason Schwartzman, Baily Ives, Grace Vanderwaal, and James Remar.
“Megalopolis” is debuting in competition at Cannes. Coppola told Vanity Fair that the long-gestating project was rewritten more than “300 times” across decades.
“I wasn’t really working on this screenplay for 40 years as I often see written, but rather I was collecting notes and clippings...
- 4/30/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.