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Behind the scenes of ‘Megalopolis’: A closer look at Francis Ford Coppola’s controversial set behavior
A legendary director under scrutiny
With just two months until the release of Megalopolis, the spotlight has shifted from the film’s ambitious sci-fi narrative to its director, Francis Ford Coppola. Recently surfaced videos have shown Coppola engaging in questionable behavior on set, raising eyebrows and sparking discussions about professionalism in the film industry.
The incident: Unscripted actions on set
The videos, captured by a crew member during the filming of a nightclub scene, depict Coppola attempting to kiss young female extras. This scene, featuring actress Nathalie Emmanuel, was shot on February 14, 2023, at the Tabernacle concert hall in Atlanta. According to sources, the actresses were informed that they had been “cleared for topless nudity” or “scantily clad” appearances.
One source described the atmosphere as uncomfortable, with Coppola frequently interrupting the scene to hug and kiss several women. This behavior, they noted, was highly unusual and unprofessional. “I’ve worked with really important directors, and that behavior is uncommon,” the source said. “The most I’ve ever seen any director do is say something like, ‘high energy, guys.'”
Coppola’s response and the production team’s defense
Coppola’s spokesperson declined to comment on the videos or the allegations. However, members of the production team provided statements defending the director. Darren Demetre, an executive producer of Megalopolis, explained that Coppola’s actions were intended to establish the spirit of the scene. “It was his way to help inspire and establish the club atmosphere, which was so important to the film,” Demetre said.
Mariela Comitini, the film’s first assistant director, echoed this sentiment, describing her experience working with Coppola as an honor. “As one of the industry’s most well-respected master filmmakers, Francis was undaunted by the enormity of this undertaking,” she added.
The absence of traditional oversight
One significant factor contributing to the controversy is Coppola’s decision to finance the entire $120 million budget himself. This autonomy meant there were no traditional checks and balances in place, such as an HR department to address complaints. “Because Coppola funded it, there was no HR department to keep things in check,” a source explained. “Who were they supposed to talk to? Complain to Coppola and report Coppola to himself?”
The role of intimacy coordinators
Samantha McDonald and Ashley Anderson, the film’s intimacy coordinators, were not present during the nightclub scene. McDonald expressed uncertainty about why they were not involved on that particular day. Veteran intimacy coordinator Yarit Dor, who was not involved with the film, emphasized the importance of having multiple coordinators on set for scenes involving nudity. “Overseeing and helping choreograph intimate action for so many people is not something that one intimacy coordinator can do alone,” Dor said.
The aftermath and future of ‘Megalopolis’
Despite the controversy, Megalopolis is set to be released on September 27, with Lionsgate acquiring domestic distribution rights. The film, starring Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, and Jon Voight, is expected to be competitive in various award categories.
Coppola, known for his work on the Godfather trilogy, was recently named a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors. Reflecting on his career, Coppola stated, “I consider myself very fortunate to have been able to collaborate with great artists and wonderful people throughout my career, and I have never stopped learning.”
Personal reflections: The fine line between inspiration and impropriety
As a cinema enthusiast, it’s disheartening to see a legendary director like Coppola embroiled in such controversy. The film industry is built on collaboration and mutual respect, and any behavior that undermines these principles can tarnish even the most illustrious careers. While Coppola’s intentions may have been to inspire his cast, it’s crucial to recognize the boundaries of professional conduct.
For those interested in exploring more about Megalopolis, you can watch the Megalopolis trailer and delve into the film’s ambitious narrative. As we await its release, let’s hope the focus shifts back to the art of filmmaking and the stories that captivate our imaginations.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced perspective on the recent events surrounding Francis Ford Coppola and his upcoming film Megalopolis. By examining the incident, the responses, and the broader implications, we can better understand the complexities of the film industry and the importance of maintaining professionalism on set.
