Featured MEdia
Supply Chains

Francis Ford Coppola’s ambitious project, Megalopolis, has sparked a whirlwind of opinions since its release. Some view it as a sucès d’estime, while others label it a film maudit or a total disaster. This marks Coppola’s first feature film in 13 years, and he invested over $120 million of his own funds to transform a vision of 21st-century New York City into a new Roman empire, led by a visionary architect played by Adam Driver and a corrupt mayor portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito.

Filming took place at Trilith Studios in Georgia, where Coppola even bought out a Days Inn to serve as the production headquarters and living quarters for the extensive cast, which included Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, Jon Voight, and Shia LaBeouf. However, the production was not without its challenges, as reports of crew conflicts and creative disagreements surfaced. The film premiered at Cannes 2024, but it struggled to make an impact at the box office, grossing only $14 million worldwide.

Amidst this backdrop, Mike Figgis, the Oscar-nominated director known for Leaving Las Vegas and Timecode, was on set capturing the making of Megalopolis. His documentary, titled Megadoc, offers a unique perspective on Coppola’s artistic process, drawing parallels to the acclaimed 1991 documentary Hearts of Darkness. Unlike typical behind-the-scenes features, Megadoc delves into the complexities of celebrity ego and the tumultuous atmosphere on set.

In an interview with IndieWire, Figgis discussed his experience filming Megadoc, including the dynamics between the cast and Coppola. Here are some highlights from their conversation:

• Meeting Coppola: Figgis first met Coppola at the Oscars during the Governors Ball, where he connected with the Coppola family.
• Documentary Focus: Figgis aimed to capture the essence of the filmmaking process, emphasizing the creative tensions that arise when working with a visionary like Coppola.
• Art Department Challenges: The documentary reveals the struggles faced by the art department as Coppola frequently changed his vision during production.
• Celebrity Interactions: Figgis navigated the personalities of actors like Shia LaBeouf and Aubrey Plaza, who exhibited varying degrees of openness to being filmed.

Figgis noted that while Coppola invested heavily in Megalopolis, financial success was not his primary concern. Instead, Coppola’s focus remained on creating a film true to his vision, reflecting a healthy attitude towards money. Figgis remarked, “He’s in his eighties. It’s only money. The kids are OK. It’s fine.”

As Megadoc prepares to hit theaters on September 19, Figgis reflects on the challenges of capturing the essence of a film that many deemed doomed from the start. He believes that the current trend of longer films may not always serve the story well, suggesting that Megalopolis might have benefited from a serialized format to explore its characters more deeply.

With its unique insights into the filmmaking process and the personalities involved, Megadoc promises to be a captivating watch for anyone interested in the complexities of cinema.