Francis Ford Coppola was always going to have an uphill battle when it came to the release of “Megalopolis.” For starters, he had to come up with $120 million of his own money to finance the project. Then there is the fact that the film is incredibly experimental and definitely not a four-quadrant crowd pleaser. But the reports of drama on set, including recent reports of misconduct by the filmmaker, are only making things worse. Coppola thinks the drama is to be expected when creating art.
READ MORE: ‘Megalopolis’ Review: Francis Ford Coppola’s Epic Is A Madman’s Fever Dream [Cannes]
Speaking to The Telegraph, Francis Ford Coppola responded to all the reports of chaos on the set of his new film, “Megalopolis.” For those unaware, there were various reports that stated the set of Coppola’s new film was filled with drama, including reports of sexual misconduct against Coppola by several women on set. To Coppola’s credit, he’s actually suing Variety over the allegations. Alas, with his new film arriving in U.S. theaters this weekend, no one knows whether or not the damage is already done.
In response to the reports of chaos on the set of “Megalopolis,” Coppola embraces the reports (minus the sexual misconduct claims) and says it’s all part of making art.
“In Hollywood, the word chaotic only means ‘not what we’re used to,’” said Coppola. “What the studios do today is make Coca-Cola. They know there’s a good chance they’ll make money, providing the flavor stays the same. But art is chaotic. When it’s efficient, something’s going wrong.”
For those who haven’t been following the release of “Megalopolis,” the film tells the story of a brilliant architect who wants to build a utopia after a disaster devastates a major city. However, there’s far more to the story, as it is definitely an ambitious film, both with its content and it’s release.
Obviously, if the various reports are true, then defending it by saying “art is chaotic” might not be the best idea. Alas, we’ll have to wait and see what happens, especially when the film finally arrives in theaters.
“Megalopolis” is set to arrive in U.S. theaters on September 20.
