Videos leaked from the set ofMegalopolisshow filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola kissing (and attempting to kiss) female extras during a “bacchanalian nightclub scene.” The videos surfaced following recent reports of Coppola’s “inappropriate” behavior on the set of the film, a self-financed sci-fi epic starring Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, and Shia LaBeouf.
In the videos, exclusively published byVarietyand reportedly captured by a crew member, Coppola can be seen interacting with, touching, and kissing background actresses in a nightclub environment. Prior to the film’s premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May,The Guardianpublished a report on the making ofMegalopolisin which Coppola was accused of behaving inappropriately with extras:
“Several sources also felt that Coppola could be ‘old school’ in his behaviour around women. He allegedly pulled women to sit on his lap, for example. And during one bacchanalian nightclub scene being shot for the film, witnesses say, Coppola came on to the set and tried to kiss some of the topless and scantily clad female extras. He apparently claimed he was ‘trying to get them in the mood.'”
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In addition to the videos, which appear to support these claims, two sources spoke with Variety about their experience on set, with one noting that “The filmmaker kept leaping up to hug and kiss several women, often inadvertently inserting himself into the shot and ruining it.” They went on to explain that such “behavior is uncommon,” adding, “I’ve never seen anyone on set, and this extends to a camera operator, so much as touch an actor.” At one point, in between takes, Coppola allegedly grabbed a microphone and announced, “Sorry, if I come up to you and kiss you. Just know it’s solely for my pleasure.”
Megalopolis
Megalopolis, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is a visionary 2024 film exploring the ambitious dream of reconstructing New York City into a utopia, following a devastating disaster. The narrative delves into the clash between the architect’s utopian vision and the political and personal turmoil that ensues. With a star-studded cast, the film examines themes of ambition, power, and the human spirit’s resilience against the backdrop of a futuristic metropolis.
“Crew members looked at each other uncomfortably as Coppola kissed and embraced the background actors, but,” Variety reports, “no one publicly objected to his behavior or tried to stop it.” One source explained that the reason for the silence may have to do with Coppola self-financing the movie. “Because Coppola funded it there was no HR department to keep things in check,” the source explained. “Who were they supposed to talk to? Complain to Coppola and report Coppola to himself?”
Francis Ford Coppola’s Team Responds to Megalopolis Allegations
Speaking on behalf of Coppola,Megalopolisexecutive producer Darren Demetre said:
“There were two days when we shot a celebratory Studio 54-esque club scene where Francis walked around the set to establish the spirit of the scene by giving kind hugs and kisses on the cheek to the cast and background players. It was his way to help inspire and establish the club atmosphere, which was so important to the film. I was never aware of any complaints of harassment or ill behavior during the course of the project.”
First assistant director Mariela Comitini also provided a statement in Coppola’s defense, telling Variety it was “an honor” to work with the filmmaker:
“I watched as Francis created a vibrant, professional, and positive environment on set, As one of the industry’s most well-respected master filmmakers, Francis was undaunted by the enormity of this undertaking.”
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Perhaps the weirdest part of Variety’s report is this note from “a source close to the filmmaker”:
A spokesperson for Coppola declined to comment on the videos or the claims about Coppola’s behavior. However, a source close to the filmmaker noted that despite the death of Coppola’s wife, Eleanor Coppola, in April, “‘Megalopolis’ came in on time, on budget.”
It’s unclear whatthe death of Eleanor Coppolahas to do with the filmmaker’s alleged inappropriate behavior, or why Coppola finishing the movie on time is relevant to his defense.Your honor, my client could not have possibly kissed or inappropriately touched anyone on set – he simply had no time for it!
It seems unlikely that the allegations will hamper the release ofMegalopolis, which hits theaters on Sept. 27.
