The story behind the making of Coppola’s Megalopolis

As a cinephile who has witnessed the tumultuous journey of Francis Ford Coppola’s filmmaking career, I can confidently say that the story behind Megalopolis is as captivating and intricate as the epic it aims to portray. From its conception in the early ’80s to its eventual production decades later, the sheer determination and passion that Coppola has poured into this project is truly awe-inspiring.

Examining the tale surrounding Francis Ford Coppola’s production of Megalopolis, which he invested $120m of his own funds, it’s clear that with just $12m earned so far at the box office, the film has suffered a significant financial flop.

Francis Ford Coppola started working on Megalopolis back in the 1980s. The long-running saga of this project’s development is a significant aspect of the tale behind the creation of Coppola’s Megalopolis. The film was influenced, albeit loosely, by Coppola’s studies about the Catilinarian Conspiracy that occurred in 63 BC. This historical event centered around Lucius Sergius Catiline, a prominent Roman aristocrat who aimed to overthrow the Roman Republic. If successful, Catiline’s uprising would have dethroned the ruling elite and freed both the upper and lower classes from debt.

Coppola recalled thinking, “I conceived this concept, and I had a strong desire to pen this narrative. I began jotting down ideas in notebooks or things I encountered while reading. It struck me that many people recognize America as a reincarnation of the Roman Republic, given our founders’ aversion to monarchy and their preference for a system similar to Rome’s. This is particularly evident when you visit New York, which seems to be adorned with Roman-style architecture. Therefore, my aim was to craft an epic set in modern-day New York, modeled after Ancient Rome.

During the summer of 2001, he conducted script read-throughs in New York City, with Robert De Niro, Paul Newman, Leonardo DiCaprio, Uma Thurman, James Gandolfini, and Russell Crowe among the actors who participated. That year, he also filmed approximately 30 hours of additional footage within and around the city. However, production was abruptly halted following the events of September 11th. Coppola expressed reservations about creating a film centered on the concept of utopia in New York when everything had turned so grim and unpredictable. Over the subsequent years, several actors who eventually appeared in the movie took part in workshops or read-through sessions.

Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, and Giancarlo Esposito had all previously read drafts of the script. “I read this script about 23 or 25 years ago,” said Esposito. “Given its deep roots in philosophy, mythology, and history, I felt it was important to read it again. Now that I can consider the period and surrounding events, I understand it better. It’s a tale worth sharing.

In 2007, Coppola found himself contemplating walking away from the project entirely due to lack of support in its development. However, he felt compelled to stick with the story as it continued to evolve within him. As he explained, “It was still simmering in my mind.” He had directed numerous films in various styles, and enjoyed taking on projects that challenged his abilities because, as he put it, “If you don’t know how to make them, the movie begins to instruct you on how to create it. And that’s incredibly thrilling when you listen.

Over time, there were more readings of scripts and workshops, but it was a mix of Coppola reaching 80 years old and then the pandemic that sparked the idea for him to fully develop the project. By August 2021, he was in serious talks with actors and starting the casting process. A variety of actors were considered, some who had participated in previous script readings like Shia LaBeouf and Jon Voight, while others like Laurence Fishburne, Giancarlo Esposito, Talia Shire, James Remar, and D.B. Sweeney had been part of Coppola’s films before. For the role of WOW PLATINUM, Coppola sought an actress with a comedic touch, intelligence, and beauty to give it a 1930s screwball-comedy feel, similar to Jean Harlow or Myra Loy, so Aubrey Plaza was a potential fit. Coppola’s longtime friend and frequent collaborator James Caan asked for a cameo role in what might be his final film, so Coppola created the character NUSH ‘The Fixer’ BERMAN for him. Sadly, Caan passed away, but Dustin Hoffman stepped up to take over this small cameo part.

In New York, Coppola encountered Adam Driver (CESAR CATILINA) and they engaged in numerous in-depth discussions. Initially, Driver chose not to participate. However, following their talks, ideas sparked in Coppola’s mind, which he shared with Driver, thanking him for his input and casually mentioning the new concepts. To Coppola’s surprise, Driver responded positively, reconsidering his initial decision and agreeing to take part.

To ensure Megalopolis was made according to his vision, Coppola funded the project independently by selling a portion of his winery business. He opted to film in Atlanta, Georgia, due to its attractive tax incentives, cutting-edge studios, skilled local workforce, and ample classical architecture for set pieces. While on location in Atlanta, he acquired and refurbished an old Days Inn motel to serve as living quarters for himself and his key team. This renovated space also included rehearsal rooms, editing suites, ADR recording studios, and an ATMOS sound mixing theater for post-production work.

Starting from November 7, 2022, right here in the heart of Fayetteville, Georgia, at Trilith Studios, I had the privilege of being part of something truly special. The main filming phase, or as we fans like to call it, “principal photography,” began and continued with passion until March 11, 2023. What a journey it’s been!

…and that is the story behind the making of Megalopolis!

2024-10-23 02:24

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