In a recent extensive interview with Rolling Stone, the legendary director—who already predicted the idea of the democratization of cinema via the iPhone decades ago— hinted at what that next step could be for cinema, if he had his way. For him, it’s the presentation of “live” movies, something that—judging by how he describes it— sounds a lot like it could be eye candy for hardcore cinephiles.
“I’m not talking about theater or live television; those are their own things,” Coppola told Rolling Stone. “I’m talking about cinema, which is shot-based and instantly recognizable. I thought it’d be worthwhile to see if you could make true cinema, with shots and cuts, within this live form. I want movies like those made by the masters of today, the ones who can do one-offs and aren’t forced to do TV series and franchise movies, to be an event.”
This isn’t the first time the legendary filmmaker has discussed a live cinema concept, nor is it a particularly young idea. Coppola teased the idea as far back as 2014. “The cinema can be composed for the audience while they’re seeing it,” he said at the time. “Movies no longer have to be set in stone and can be interpreted for an audience.”
What’s interesting is, Coppola’s already played around with this idea at least once, with a live presentation of his experimental horror film “Twixt” at Comic-Con in 2011 that he later took on tour in limited release that either could either be seen as a failure or concept just too early for its time. (musician Dan Deacon scored a live remix; audiences were cued to put on and take off 3D glasses during certain parts of the film).
As when all potentially revolutionary ideas are in their infancy, live movies sounds like a pretty abstract proposal. But it’s easy to understand why Coppola is so drawn to a future where audiences can see moviemaking in real time, whether in a roadshow-type format or in a more lucrative, black-tie atmosphere.
But imagine having the ability to watch Christopher Nolan, Steven Spielberg, Alfonso Cuarón or even Coppola himself direct actors around a set as they’re doing it. Or being a spectator to what exactly goes into a score being composed as it’s happening, the vital decisions being made in editing, the battlefield of an epic superhero skirmish without the effects.
Even if “live” movies and their audiences were still separated by a screen – if it was available via a scheduled streaming event, for example – witnessing a film come together as it’s happening is delicious to think about.
“Let’s use Marty [Scorsese] as a wonderful example—there’s nobody better at making movies in America right than him,” Coppola continued. “So what if you could go see Marty make his new masterpiece live, as he was doing it for you? That would be something so singular you’d never forget it.”
In the future, cars may be flying, music accessed in our heads, and the magic of moviemaking experienced without delay. For now, though, Coppola continues preparation for “Megalopolis,” his return to cinema after an eight-year absence that may or may not star Jude Law and possibly Shia LaBeouf too.