Francis Ford Coppola denies misconduct allegations on "Megalopolis" set
Francis Ford Coppola, the director of the cult classic The Godfather, became the centre of controversy after reports emerged in the media about his inappropriate behaviour on the set of the film Megalopolis. Now, the creator has decided to respond to the allegations.
Movies and witness accounts describing how Coppola allegedly behaved inappropriately towards extras have garnered widespread interest. The director, who self-financed the $120 (CAD 162) million production of "Megalopolis," reportedly kissed several women on set against their will.
In an interview with "Rolling Stone," referring to the article initially published by "The Guardian," Coppola defended himself, stating that the information was "totally untrue." The director argued that the kisses he was accused of did occur but were directed at people he knew and were of a social nature. Coppola claims that the defamatory article was an attempt to sabotage the premiere of "Megalopolis."
The truth of the matter is, they were looking for some sort of dirt. The young women I kissed on the cheek, in regards to the New Year’s scene, they were young women I knew, he confessed.
Opponents and supporters
The issue was further complicated by the fact that intimacy coordinators were not present while filming the scenes in question, as reported by "Variety." One of the actresses on set, Rayna Menz, defended Coppola. On Instagram, she wrote that the reports about the director were false and that working with him was an honour. Her colleague, Lauren Pagone, shared a different perspective, saying she felt uncomfortable with Coppola's behaviour.
Coppola's response
In light of the growing controversy, Coppola emphasized in his conversation with "Rolling Stone" that his unconventional approach to filmmaking is the reason he has faced such fierce opposition. The director is determined to defend his artistic vision while denying any harmful intentions.
Continued scandals surrounding "Megalopolis"
"Megalopolis" has been a hot topic long before its official premiere, which will take place in Canada on September 27. In addition to the described on-set incidents, there was also the unauthorized release of a trailer that should not have been made public.
Lionsgate pulled the latest trailer from circulation. The decision followed controversies regarding quotes from critics included in the trailer, which, as an investigation conducted by Vulture and other media revealed, were fabricated.
"Megalopolis" is a Roman epic set in an imaginary contemporary America. The film tells the story of a conflict between Caesar Catilina (Adam Driver), a genius artist aiming for a utopian, idealistic future, and his antagonist, Mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito), who defends a regressive status quo. Standing between them is Julia Cicero (Nathalie Emmanuel), the mayor's daughter, torn between love and her beliefs about what humanity truly deserves.
