Francis Ford Coppola reportedly faces serious accusations on ‘Megalopolis’ movie set
Francis Ford Coppola has come under criticism for his treatment of women while working on his highly anticipated “Megalopolis” film, according to a new report.
Just ahead of the film’s debut at the Cannes Film Festival later this week, a report was published Tuesday by The Guardian that detailed, among other things, Coppola’s alleged attempts to kiss topless female extras and even pulling women to sit on his lap.
“We were all aware that we were participating in what might be a really sad finish to his career,” one unnamed crew member told the outlet.
Aside from looking to kiss extras, “trying to get them in the mood,” the 85-year-old Academy Award-winner was accused of smoking marijuana for hours on end in his trailer while the crew was simply waiting around for nothing to do.
During production, almost the entire visual effects team, as well as was the production designer and supervising art director either fired or quit, according to reports from January.
“This sounds crazy to say, but there were times when we were all standing around going: ‘Has this guy ever made a movie before?’” another crew member recounted.
Coppola, who’s put up $120 million of his own money toward the passion project, is somewhat notorious for his chaotic and delayed productions.
The making of his 1979 film “Apocalypse Now” was captured by his late wife Eleanor in the 1991 documentary “Hearts of Darkness,” during which Coppola himself admits in one interview, “little by little we went insane.”
“Megalopolis” executive co-producer Darren Demetre has come to the legendary filmmaker’s defense.
“Francis successfully produced and directed an enormous independent film, making all the difficult decisions to ensure it was delivered on time and on budget, while remaining true to his creative vision,” he said in a Tuesday statement.
“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,” Demetre added.
“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.”