Renowned director Francis Ford Coppola, 85, criticizes the film industry’s emphasis on debt and financial gain over artistic quality. His latest project, ‘Megalopolis,’ tackling themes of time control in a futuristic Roman-inspired setting, sparks mixed reviews despite financial hurdles and controversies. Coppola’s dedication to his creative vision remains steadfast, amidst calls for a shift in industry priorities.
Director Francis Ford Coppola, 85, expressed concerns at the 77th Cannes Film Festival about the film industry’s focus on debt over quality filmmaking. He launched his latest project, “Megalopolis,” featuring Adam Driver, Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, and Laurence Fishburne. The film, which explores themes of time control in a futuristic Roman-inspired setting, premiered to mixed reviews.
Coppola financed the $120 million movie largely by selling a portion of his winery. He criticized the industry’s financial focus, suggesting that streaming giants like Amazon and Apple might alter the future film landscape. Despite production challenges and allegational controversies, such as incidents involving female extras, Coppola remains committed to his vision, highlighting the relevance of his film’s themes to current U.S. politics.
“Megalopolis” received varied reactions from critics, ranging from high praise for its ambition to strong criticism for its execution and coherence. Despite the polarized responses, Coppola emphasized his artistic fulfillment over financial success.
