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Harry sits down in Austin with Francis Ford Coppola and talks YOUTH WITHOUT YOUTH, Seventies film, Wine, TETRO and the Coppolas

WTF? by AllieJamison	May 8th, 2007 06:55:06 PM
incredible
Love ol' Francis... by Jakes Nel	May 8th, 2007 07:03:22 PM
He makes pretty good wine, too.
Nice interview by purplemonkeydw	May 8th, 2007 07:13:10 PM
well done, I wish I was rich on wine, and by wish I mean drunk...right now
father indeed by AllieJamison	May 8th, 2007 07:18:52 PM
great stuff. filled with typical aicn calamities (talk about fucking obesity? /a not working record tape). you can only love these disfunctions if, after all, it ends in such an insightful interview. so rich (the interview). gotta love the part about intimate filmmaking appearing on a page of this very site. fantastic! it's beautiful to see how proud he is of his children. everytime i listen to a coppola audiocommentary i kinda adopt him as some kind of father figure. i probably woudln't even be able to do an interview with that man without falling into an emberassingly grotesque child scheme. ttzzz...
what ever happened to the spidey 3 review? by Mr_X	May 8th, 2007 07:21:08 PM
I'm curious is all.
Right. by CherryValance	May 8th, 2007 07:21:24 PM
All those "Right"s were funny. And you don't use a new gadget for an important interview. It's like getting a perm the day of the prom. What I don't get is all that time he was broke could George Lucas not float him a loan? Gee whiz. And how long have there been interns?
Amazing by kikuchiyoboy	May 8th, 2007 07:25:40 PM
This is what I love AICN for. The interviews feel more personal. They come from a fans point of view yet also a biographical view. It's a wonderful mix of technical and personal. Francis is an interesting artist and his is a wonderful snapshot of him and his work in the here and now. I'd love to see a sit down between you and Ebert. Two different spectrums of the art of film appreciation. I don't know. It seems interesting to me anyways. I'd love to see more and more of these one and ones.
Nice work, Harry by Laserbrain	May 8th, 2007 07:30:56 PM
More features like this please.
Thanks, Harry by Silverglade	May 8th, 2007 07:33:57 PM
I appreciated that interview. Good feature.
interesting but... by occula	May 8th, 2007 07:35:13 PM
i get the retard tingles whenever i read stuff like 'my daughter is rich, she doesn't need to make movies.' jesus christ. did you actually verbalize that, coppola? regardless, it's always interesting to hear a master's voice, but that intern needs to get fired. transcription involves spell-checking and filling in the blanks, please.
I liked this interview. by Bronx Cheer	May 8th, 2007 07:36:49 PM
Aside from the constant hyping of Austin, I enjoyed the relaxed feeling of the piece. If I were to offer one piece of criticism, I would suggest that the interview layout should be consistent. Instead of the quote boxes for interviewee, just use a consistent font and layout from line to line. It reads even more like a conversation that way; it's a little jarring to go from line to box etc. I loved the comparison of the movie biz to the circus world. If anyone knows, it's Mr. Coppola. So much of it is pure chutzpah and showmanship. In retrospect, I guess I don't mind Harry's consistent highlighting of Austin; it's home, he's proud of it, and I do the same thing with NYC. Good job. Just practice with new gear before you sit down with a GOD!
And yes, please, more feature articles! by Bronx Cheer	May 8th, 2007 07:40:03 PM
I love that there have been so many features recently. That's a trend I would love to see AICN stay with. Give us some meat on those rumor-mongering bones.
right by AllieJamison	May 8th, 2007 07:45:34 PM
right , bronx cheer! i can only second that. i want some editorials!
That is a good quote to end with by kikuchiyoboy	May 8th, 2007 07:51:10 PM
"The Carnival has to have you" 8 1/2 says it all.
I'm really glad for Coppola. by Jakes Nel	May 8th, 2007 07:57:55 PM
Sounds like he's finally getting what he's been dreaming of all this time. Total freedom and control. Good to hear he's back in the director's chair where he belongs.
Oh, YackBacker, you had to go there. by Bronx Cheer	May 8th, 2007 08:17:38 PM
I was happy to read Coppola addressing the real merit of keeping the weight off: health, and a chance at a long life. I wish Harry all the success in the world in dealing with his weight. And cracking fat jokes about Coppola is blasphemy.
Ah, nice one Harry by Jaka	May 8th, 2007 08:17:59 PM
I didn't know what to expect and I by the second or third question I was totally engrossed. Incredible to here the intimate details from a master. His answer for what's different about movies now than in the seventies was incredibly insightful. And personally, I like the Austin hyping and the personal "tingle" inducing answers. Great interview Harry. Three thumbs up. However, I have to agree with the transcription comments. Copolla deserves better. It would have taken another 30 minutes to check the spelling, grammar and conversation flow. It would have made the interview ever better.
Of course by Jaka	May 8th, 2007 08:18:31 PM
I could have spelled his name correctly too! Nyaaa!
I'm with occula. by Orbots Commander	May 8th, 2007 08:19:29 PM
I love Coppola's movies, but damn, that was an insert-foot-into-mouth comment: 'I told Sofia and Roman to make personal movies because they are rich, you know, so they don't need to make any money'. Rich trust fund kids running around making personal movies and hoisting it upon the public does not endear them to that public.
THIS IS WHY by THE KNIGHT	May 8th, 2007 08:32:45 PM
Aintitcool is the best movie site... All the other sites have the standard same question interviews... They never get personal with the filmmakers... Not that you guys don't do that either, but everyone here takes it an extra mile... Great interview! Now, I want some info on that WINE!
The rich comment by Jaka	May 8th, 2007 08:33:27 PM
It doesn't bother me in the least. It's what's know as "the truth". And I don't think he sounded egotistical in telling it. That's how he feels. Great. I'm sure most people wish they could leave their kids in that situation, no matter what they do in life.
true, but... by occula	May 8th, 2007 08:40:47 PM
i guess it's just that sofia coppola is so monumentally trustifarian. have you ever heard her speak? she sounds like she's been hanging out in her penthouse getting baked and then wandered down onto a movie set to, like, shoot a movie, man. i think she's smart enough to have a great team - obviously something she learned from her father and spike - to make great things happen, but maybe if she were - i dunno - i guess i'm projecting my dislike of her onto him, and it just came off wrong on his part. it doesn't take a lot for me to get riled up about sofia coppola.
I prefer it when the rich and priviledged don't... by Bronx Cheer	May 8th, 2007 08:41:46 PM
apologize for their success and station. Especially when you consider how many times Coppola has gone to the edge and back, he's got every right to be straight-up about where he stands. As for Sofia, she wrote and directed "Lost in Translation." That's her work, and she should be damned proud of it, as I'm sure her dad is. To be in a position to do what you love without having to worry about "earning a living" is where everyone wants to be. However you get there, you're still there. Thank goodness Sofia never has to direct "Mean Girls 3: CollagenLips Now!" in order to pay the bills. It's too bad that more "rich kids" aren't creating art like these two. Beats the career path Paris Hilton seems to have settled on.
occula, if you haven't actually met the woman, by Bronx Cheer	May 8th, 2007 08:46:04 PM
I might suggest you consider why you hate her, and then try to set that aside. Unless you've got that symbiote thingee on the bottom of your shoe, in which case I guess you can't help it. Hate is a corrosive thing. Now, let's all hug.
The rick comment doesn't bother me either, but it does by Orbots Commander	May 8th, 2007 08:47:55 PM
change the way I look at a filmmaker, Sofia or Roman Coppola for instance. Knowing some young kid making movies never has to work to make a buck because Dad made buckets of cash, to me, somehow discounts their movies. Of course they get to make movies and get better at it; it's not like they have to earn a living or anything. It's different from someone like a Lucas or Spielberg who from their perseverance, hard work and talents became huge financial successes.
That would be 'rich' not 'rick', of course. by Orbots Commander	May 8th, 2007 08:49:45 PM
Damn fingers.
occula & Bronx by Jaka	May 8th, 2007 08:59:43 PM
occ, I'm being 100% honest when I say I've never heard her speak, and I don't think I've read an interview with her either. My impression of her come strictly from her films. And brother, her films make me feel good. They're some of my favorites. I don't need to have knowledge of, or an opinion on, any personal details of an artist in order to enjoy their art. That's why this interview kicked so much ass! It's why the best of AICN kicks so much ass. That we are provided information and insight that we can't get anyplace else is, well, cool. br> Bronx, yeah, that's an interesting point. Once upon a time, that's what a lot of rich children did. They grew up studying the arts, or maybe a science, or philosophy, and when they had reached a point of proficiency, or originality, more often than not, that's what they did with their lives. Or become a soldier, make war and wreck shit! lol But to the point, now we have tabloids and tabloid tv and tabloid stars. I won't name names, we could all name many. I much prefer the Copolla route (
Orbots Commander by Jaka	May 8th, 2007 09:03:46 PM
I agree with what you're saying to a certain extant. I mean, they could have made a series of completely unwatchable films. But thanfully, they didn't. I have to imagine that at least part of that comes from knowing that you grew up watching pops making movies, as well as knowing that you don't have to worry about how you're going to pay next months rent. Artistic freedom in another context? I don't know, I just don't have any problem with it.
Orbots Commander, you don't seem to understand by Bronx Cheer	May 8th, 2007 09:04:12 PM
what directing a film requires. It's one of the worst jobs in the film industry. So just because they don't have to answer phones in a law office to pay their cell phone bills doesn't mean they're not working. I've never understood all those people who want to direct. Directing sucks. Just for the record, Lucas hardly came from an impoverished background, and Spielberg's family somehow avoided begging on street corners to make ends meet.
Just a caution...there's a reason Envy is one of the 7. by Bronx Cheer	May 8th, 2007 09:06:28 PM
It's ugly and destructive.
Pretty obvious this is your first 1-1, fat man. by Nate Champion	May 8th, 2007 09:08:04 PM
You should have asked him, "What's it like being interviewed by an idiot who has nothing interesting to ask you?" It was nice to hear him say he did Jack for the money, but he needed to be pressed into admitting the film is an absolute piece of shit!
Jaka, well put. I tell you, it must be the Coppola vibe by Bronx Cheer	May 8th, 2007 09:09:28 PM
classing this TB up, because I have yet to see someone toss a "douchebag" out there. It's refreshing to have a little discussion without the vituperation.
Why does that discount them? by kikuchiyoboy	May 8th, 2007 09:10:37 PM
If anything it makes them more truthful and free. They don't have to make a blockbuster. At the same time they're carefully choosing projects in which is passionate to them. They're rich and that's that. It's a different form of living. Also it doesn't make filmmaking that much easier for them. They still need to be creative and hard working. They either have the creativity or not. Granted their stories may seem disconnected from your world, but that's what is called a different point of view. They're granted freedom of espression in a business that is usually run by committee. They're granted this at a young age. It's refreshing to see what one could do if given this opportunity in life. We all have dreamt of it. It's nice to know they're not Uwe Boll'n it. Also it's wonderful to see what a great filmmaker has given to his children not go to waste.
I spoke too soon. by Bronx Cheer	May 8th, 2007 09:10:37 PM
I knew I was going to jinx it.
kikuchiyoboy nailed it by Bronx Cheer	May 8th, 2007 09:12:13 PM
Hey, kikuchi, can I sell you a vowel or two?
just so's ya know... by occula	May 8th, 2007 09:13:24 PM
my opinion of sofia coppola is based on the ill-kept 'secret' that her work was originally done for her by her ex-husband. and, like i said, she has a crack team executing things for her - she's a good writer but not technically a very good director. if you watch the featurettes on 'marie' you'll see what kind of a person she is and it's kinda disconcerting. but, all that being said, i'm now going to try and wipe the symbiote off my shoe and see if i can get it to stick to my next-door neighbor, whose barking pit bulls keep me up all night.
Bronx and Jaka, here's a good comparison by Orbots Commander	May 8th, 2007 09:21:00 PM
to what we're talking about: Steve Jobs and William Ford, Jr. Both are CEOs of their respective corporations. Jobs is the founder of not only Apple but of past failed ventures and successes like Pixar. Bill Ford is the great grandchild of the founder of Ford Motor company and his family members sit on the board of directors. They may both be good men at heart for all I know, and equally capable---maybe. But I sure as hell admire what Steve Jobs has accomplished in his life (rising from a middle class background to starting two world class companies and effectively subvertingly taking over a branch of Disney), whereas Bill Ford never really had anything at stake. He was always going to be a member of one of the world's wealthiest families wether he took control of running Ford or not. That's how I see the younger Coppolas, like one of the Fords or a member of the billionaire Walton family (of Wal-Mart fame).
occula, Keep that symbiwhatever away from those dogs! by Bronx Cheer	May 8th, 2007 09:21:13 PM
Are you crazy? You'll need the Hulk to smash their heads together if they get too venomy.
Sure by kikuchiyoboy	May 8th, 2007 09:22:22 PM
I could use an "A" somewhere's. You know, to balance things out.
bronx by occula	May 8th, 2007 09:27:11 PM
or, at least, governor schwarzenegger.
technically - it isn't my first by HEADGEEK	May 8th, 2007 09:27:27 PM
but it's the first time it was recorded. I've done tons of 1 on 1s in front of live audiences, with people like Robert Rodriguez, John Carpenter, Peter Fonda, etc. Done lots of over the phone, 1 on 1s. But I've never done a 1 on 1, with a little mini-tape recorder for 45 minutes, usually I let Quint do those, but Coppola's publicist wanted me to do this, and how could I resist sitting down with a man that has made brilliant films and that had a werewolf boff one hot as hell redhead.... and... has gotten me drunk with many tasty wines for the last decade or so. As for the "Rich" comment. It did not, under any circumstances come across as conceited, but as "a miracle" - through out the conversation, every time Francis mentioned his tough economic fortunes, you could see how it affected him - and it was also evident that he knew he had made films for a paycheck, and that he wished, for the rest of his life to make movies he wants to make because he loves making them. To me, to sit before Francis Ford Coppola and see someone completely free, completely at peace with his life, it was inspiring, not disgusting. It was enlightening. To a microcosmic degree, I understand how he feels. To allow my father to enjoy is later years having paid for the house he's living in, and the monthly bills for keeping it. I am proud and happy in my own life, as I begin to set about creating my own family. It's easy to be cynical of success, succeeding and enjoying it - are actually much harder.
I get what you're driving at, Orbots. by Bronx Cheer	May 8th, 2007 09:27:29 PM
But the one thing I have try to take into account (since I've had a couple of friends who are stupidly wealthy) is that you can't help it if you're born into a well-off family. I have a tremendous amount of admiration for people who come from humble beginnings and make great successes of themselves, but I think we should cut the rich kids some slack and not criticize them for falling out of an ermine-lined womb. (And if we're nice to them, maybe they'll leave some change under the cushions of our sofa.)
First of film expression aint about cash. by kikuchiyoboy	May 8th, 2007 09:32:53 PM
It's about their films. It's a simple as that. They are not creating pills for a happy future. They're not building the next stage of infrastructure to save the human race. Theycreating snapshots of their imagination. It has nothing to do with money or how they got there. It's about a conversation with the public. When I read a book, or look at a painting I wonder what it is the person is trying to say. I'm not thinking of their financial background. But I'm not saying it has no bearing on the art itself. Obviously some of that shines through. Basically I'm more interested in what they have to say then what they are.
Actually the best artists and the best artistic by Orbots Commander	May 8th, 2007 09:44:37 PM
expressions come from artists from humble beginnings. After all, if you have everything handed to you on a silver platter, what meaningful thing CAN you tell someone else about the human condition or about life? Even the Michelangelos and Leonardos were sponsored by wealthy patrons like the Medicis who commisioned them to create on a for-hire basis. (The Medicis were effectively the first movie studios!) The artists took their assignments and created what we consider art for the ages. I'm not knocking rich kids (who make movies or do anything else with their lives). I'm saying the bar is set way higher for them, fair or unfair.
It's funny by kikuchiyoboy	May 8th, 2007 09:44:49 PM
to imagine Harry getting home all excited to listen to the interview and translate it for us. Ready to transcribe all the wonderful worldly knowledge Coppola intimately displayed before him. Only to push play and get the following... Coppola: :You want to to know what it is that makes me so passionate about wine..." CLICK Coppala: "In the late 90's, with my career taking a turn I..." CLICK Coppola:" You want to know why Tetro.." CLICK Coppola: "The man on the grassy knoll..." CLICK Damn technology.
Harry, thanks for chiming in. by Bronx Cheer	May 8th, 2007 09:44:57 PM
The ups and downs of Coppola's life may not be well known or understood. When I consider the heartache the Coppola family endured due to the death of the oldest son, Gian-Carlo, his love for his other children must be quite profound. I remember hearing the news of his son's death with my own three-week old son nearby. There are no words... I'd like to keep this out there...this is the man who helmed The Godfather films, The Conversation, Apocalypse Now!, and The Outsiders and Rumble Fish, not to mention the many films he has producing credits on, such as American Graffiti and Kagemusha. He was a trailblazer with regards to bringing video technology to post-production. Hell, read up on his set-up for making One from the Heart. And let's all remember that most if not all of the neon in Blade Runner came from One from the Heart. One last thing: he wrote The Conversation, which is in my mind on of the greatest screenplays ever written. It's a work of literary art, which is nearly impossible for a screenplay.
loved Francis in the.. by nolan bautista	May 8th, 2007 09:47:43 PM
..documentary made by his wife "Heart of Darkness"..totally unhinged!!
Orbots, the whole world of art patronage is by Bronx Cheer	May 8th, 2007 09:50:10 PM
more complicated than a simple sculptor-for-hire scenario. Keep in mind that the Catholic Church was one of the great patrons of the art, because art elevated the standing of the owner, and great art honored God. But reading your description of the Medicis as the first studios cracked me up. I can imagine them hanging out in Florence, chomping on cigars, speaking into a dictaphone...get me that Michelangelo kid and sign him to a seven year deal. Pronto! The Pope needs that ceiling painted and I need some new doors for the duomo!
I remember a quote about Apocalypse Now... by Bronx Cheer	May 8th, 2007 09:52:23 PM
I looked it up so I didn't butcher it..."We were in the jungle, there were too many of us, we had access to too much money, too much equipment, and little by little, we went insane."
I actually think Apocalypse Now by Orbots Commander	May 8th, 2007 10:00:12 PM
does a better job of telling the 'Heart of Darkness' story even better than Joseph Conrad's original work. I just recently re-read 'Heart-', and I must say that it could be one of the most over-praised works of literature around. I 'get' what Conrad was trying to say and do with his novella, but I think that even for his time he was being a bit 'artsy' and purposefully obtuse. And I know English wasn't Conrad's first language, but his sentence structure would earn him a 'C' in a modern high school grammar class.
Orbots by kikuchiyoboy	May 8th, 2007 10:06:58 PM
Definitely agree with you there. But they have alot to say. They could tell me about the many shoes Marie Antoinette wore. =) JK The struggle of life is not always financial. She could tell me about power and living with humility. There's many facets in life with many different windows. Like I said I am curious to see her point of view and that is what makes her an artist. She expresses her point of view about her world. But I do see your point. How could she do a story about human struggle? When she herself is sitting on a satin couch since birth? Wow. I think Roman should do a film about that. See. That could pass as a passionate film. I'm serious though, that could be a cool film. That is an interesting point Orbot.
Marie Antoinette was a commercial disaster by Luci888	May 8th, 2007 10:16:24 PM
As they have access to their own Zoetrope funds and also to European funding (unlike most filmmakers their ages), it'll be interesting following Sofia & Roman's filmmaking careers. Sofia did extremely well with Lost in Translation (it cost only $US 4 Mill to make and probably made 20 - 25 times that much from cinema & DVD), but the Marie film which cost $US 40 M and made less than half that much, was a huge flop.
You don't have to walk in shit and fall in sewage by Bronx Cheer	May 8th, 2007 10:16:51 PM
to imagine the indignity of it. You might not be sensitive to all the nuances, but if you're a human being, you can probably connect. Men have written women characters, women have written men...some GREAT works have come from the hands of the satin couch set, works that plumb the depths of the human condition. But I do appreciate the points being made.
It's funny part deaux by kikuchiyoboy	May 8th, 2007 10:25:28 PM
It goes to show that class exudes class. This Tb has been a good read. Supriseingly no "nips" on anything, "Michael Bay" or "Little Miss" even though given a wonderful opportunity. I probably just opened a can of worms.
Damn You Colonel Kurtz by Bronx Cheer	May 8th, 2007 10:28:29 PM

Flames on a Tucker = Flame on Optimus Prime by Bronx Cheer	May 8th, 2007 10:29:21 PM
There.
God I feel like an idiot now. I'm going to bed. by Bronx Cheer	May 8th, 2007 10:30:32 PM
Good night everyone. How about everyone list his/her favorite Coppola film?
Bronx, I guess sometimes it's better not knowing by Orbots Commander	May 8th, 2007 10:33:26 PM
anything about the filmmaker involved in a production. In the modern media landscape though, where everything is considered a selling point, a filmmaker's bio is fair game.
Harold, we all appreciate the effort. by TheRealRatigan	May 8th, 2007 10:35:50 PM
This must have been a dream come to life for you. But, considering the stature of the subject, and the monumental value for the site you built, would it have killed you to read the manual first? You must feel like the character in a rolling comedy sometimes.
Harry, you need an AV crew. by Zarles	May 8th, 2007 10:41:48 PM
Hire a cameraman and a sound guy and fuck this hand-held Wal-Mart tape recorder shit. I would've loved to see this interview firsthand.
I might get shit for this but, by kikuchiyoboy	May 8th, 2007 10:46:15 PM
"Dracula" is my favorite. It's like Coppala's love letter to film. It's lush and epic. As much as I looove "The Godfather" series and "The Conversation", I seem to pop that one in more.
GODFATHER by THE KNIGHT	May 8th, 2007 11:05:08 PM
Definitely... oooo the music...!
kikuchiyoboy... by 0007	May 8th, 2007 11:07:22 PM
Dracula isn't only my favourite Coppola film, it's my favourite film period! You're right, it's lush, it's epic. And yes, never before and after have I felt such emotion coursing through every cinematical element. It's an operatic tone poem that never loses its luster in my book.
can't....decide...which...godfat her... by occula	May 8th, 2007 11:09:29 PM
too...hard! but i also love dracula, in no small part because of his visionary pairing with eiko in the concept design and costumes. genius.
oh, man. by occula	May 8th, 2007 11:10:51 PM
i realized it looks like i can't decide between parts 1, two, or 3. i would like to state for the record that i am not a hater of 3 per se, but it's so far off my 'films for a desert island that happens to have a good DVD player on it' list that it doesn't even count.
0007 by kikuchiyoboy	May 8th, 2007 11:20:57 PM
Exactly. In an odd way it seems like the most personal film Coppola made in that sense. Yeah, the technical aspects of the film are breathtaking but not distracting. Everything about it's design from sound to stage is just inspiring.
Not me... by quantize	May 8th, 2007 11:31:32 PM
Dracula is klunky and patchy.. The Conversation is a true classic in every sense..
i'm still waiting by skaul80	May 9th, 2007 12:02:31 AM
for the dracula special edition i heard about three years ago. anyone have news on that?
I hope my children are rich by antonphd	May 9th, 2007 12:15:17 AM
I'm not killing myself to make entertainment so my kids can start from square one and dig there way up like me. Sure, I'm going to teach them to be self reliant, but I'm not going to ever wish them the wasted years of poverty I went thru to fight my way up. Never. Good for Fransis and his children. I'm happy to hear how they are all doing well. Good for them.
anyway who says dracula is their favorite film by slappy jones	May 9th, 2007 12:16:22 AM
is totally wel come to their opinion of course but I am thinking you may not have seen it in a while....i loved it too but then I saw it again for the firast timein years 2 weeks ago. seriously....i wish I hadn't.its awful
i agree by skaul80	May 9th, 2007 12:37:15 AM
but i loove tom waits and i've been waiting years to hear him talk about Renfield.
Disagree by 2Utah2	May 9th, 2007 01:57:54 AM
I actually thought Dracula was great. I always loved the exaggerated gothic style from the opening battle scene, to all of oldman's performances and ryder. Yes keanu amd his accent are horrible but overall the movie has this surreal nightmarish feel to it that I thought was perfect for the type of story Dracula is.
Virgin Suicides is proof by 12-GAUGE	May 9th, 2007 02:14:00 AM
that Sofia's got real chops. I'll admit I didn't fall head over heels for Lost in Translation, and I haven't seen Marie A. But her debut is a real gem that gets better with each viewing.
Apoc Now by Darth Fart	May 9th, 2007 02:53:46 AM
I wish Harry delved into the film, it's my favourite picture for a number of reasons: It transcends Conrad's book, which as good as it is, doesn't hit the point as well as the film translation. Vietnam war in a nutshell. Conflict on set. Francis was coping with demons; he was in purgatory making that picture, and he was desperate to crawl out. The film is the result of being in hell. He fought everybody and everything, he suffered for his art. It's essentially guerilla film-making, albeit expensive. There's loads more, but I'll leave it for now.
Godfather Part III by kwisatzhaderach	May 9th, 2007 04:41:18 AM
was disappointing on release but now looks like a masterpiece compared to the current state of filmmaking. Interesting.
Godfather 3 by Darth Fart	May 9th, 2007 04:59:19 AM
It's not as bad as critics made it out to be. There's the 1979 script, which I haven't read yet, don't think I can read it.
$4 mil = unlimited riches? by Bronx Cheer	May 9th, 2007 06:02:07 AM
And Sofia is credited as the writer on "Lost" so yes, she had a lot to do with its success. Just because the film has a natural style to it does not mean she locked the camera down, went to go have her nails done, while the rest of the crew worked. (And you know, films are made by many people! Of course someone else pulled focus and recorded sound.) I don't think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread, but it's a wonderful little movie, and the collaboration with Bill Murray and the rest of the crew led to a smart and thoughtful film. When you compare that to her father's second film, Dementia 13, I think she has him beat there. (There is hardly any basis for comparison, however. I wanted to point out how silly it is to demand a film like Apocalypse from a director on her second film.)
Excellent. by Nordling	May 9th, 2007 06:18:24 AM
Thanks for that, Harry. Looking forward to YOUTH WITHOUT YOUTH.
I agree with Bronx by Darth Fart	May 9th, 2007 07:12:00 AM
Right on. It's her vision, her story. Of course film is a collabrative effort, but why belittle Sofia?
Godfather 3 is a guilty pleasure..... by Stuntcock Mike	May 9th, 2007 09:59:26 AM
Jesus, Pacino is just so damn miserable throughout the whole film, it looks like his body is constantly trying to achieve the fetal position.
Sofia is cused by emeraldboy	May 9th, 2007 10:25:49 AM
in a way. becuase she is a coppolla. people will demand and expect greatness. It will prove to be a albatross around her neck. There is nothing she can do about it. Francis hasnt made a really magnificent film in a very long time. the era that made his name 1970's is long gone. Like filmakers of the past Coppolla caught the mood of the nation better than ever will. And while nixon was churning out family values nonsense. Coppolla and others Like the burg made films that shattered this myth. I would be excited about the remergence of Coppolla but this is the same guy who put robin williams and Jennifer Lopez in the same movie. That to use aicn parlance was clusterfuck of a movie. that is the reason why he is making wine and movies. Virgin Suicides was a great film pity. I saw LOst in Translation on tv there recently. It looked great and Scarlett's opening ass shot was the highlight of an other boring and tedious movie and commend john Hurt for what he said about that movie.
What Hurt said was by emeraldboy	May 9th, 2007 10:32:24 AM
"That is quite possibly the worst film I have ever seen and I have been in the business for the 30 years. If this film wins best picture(which it didnt) then I will resign my acdemy membership immediatley. There is nothing about this film that I liked and I hated every single moment of it."
In Virgin Suicides by emeraldboy	May 9th, 2007 11:05:41 AM
the performances she got from Kathleeen Turner and James Woods were The best of their Careers esp. turner. That was her last film role. She proved conclusively that she was amongst the finest actresses of her generation. illness forced her to retire. She does stagework these days. But lives in semi-retirement in NY. She is crippled with a rare form of Arthtitis. She doesnt give interviews. but last year she starred in Albee's whose afraid of virgina Wolf in the UK and she was interviwed/interrogated by Channel 4's tea time muppets pun...I mean richard and judy. Monster House suited her better because it was being made by her old friend Zemeckis and she did it only on the condition that she recorded in the morning and it was only down street from where she lived. she gets very tired in the evening. So she can only work limited runs. In the theatre.
That's coming from a guy who was by kikuchiyoboy	May 9th, 2007 11:20:27 AM
in "Captain Coreeli's Mandolin". Hee hee. I really admire the actor but could care less of his opinion on "Lost In Translation". It's a wonderful quite movie about two people finding each other in a world they feel out of place in. That's it. It's the simplicity that touched me with that film. It's not meant to be anything bigger. It's like a wonderful little tune that I like to hum to myself. Whateva. To each his own. =)
There are few things more condecending... by Harry Weinstein	May 9th, 2007 11:49:38 AM
...than rich people who try to act like they're not. Francis making that statement about his kids is merely honest. When you famously sell all your shit at one point to keep a project afloat, then later on, when the money's come back, you have the perogative to be upfront about that as well. Letting the kids run Zoetrope is a smart move as well, both forward-looking and very old school all at the same time. Roman Coppola needs to direct another feature already. CQ is woefully underappreciated. Billy Zane is even more awesome in CQ (as a fictional Che Guevara in space in the film-within-the-film) than he was in ZOOLANDER, and there's not many things as awesome as Billy Zane in ZOOLANDER.
Seriously He really did say those things by emeraldboy	May 9th, 2007 01:05:36 PM
and to person who mentioned Corelli. Hurt was so enraged by Alexander Walkers Dismantling of that movie that movie that I think he took full page article and absolutley Went to town on the late walker. Just so you know journalists hate interviewing Hurt. He rarely gives interviews and the media feels much the same way about him too so they ingore him. He is a great actor but he his volatile. He left ireland because he was so sick of being interviewed about his drinking.
John Hurt hates the academy by emeraldboy	May 9th, 2007 02:49:30 PM
but he really hated Lost in translation with a venom and threatened to resign from the Academy if it won any award at all. And he was at it again in 2006 when he called the oscars much ado about nothing and said it was an ego trip for studios and a farce. "Miles too much is made of the Oscars. It's just silly. It's all political in-fighting between studios"
John Hurt Needs a hug by kikuchiyoboy	May 9th, 2007 03:11:05 PM
=)
John Hurt also said... by Darth Fart	May 9th, 2007 03:18:21 PM
"If you were not moved by The Elephant Man, then you're person I do not wish to know." Anymore Hurtisms? :D
Here's another quote by kikuchiyoboy	May 9th, 2007 03:28:11 PM
"Oh, movies today are quite marvelous. Have you seen Spidey 3? Quite marvelous with the singing, the swinging, the dancing and the crying" Seriously though, looking at all the movies he's made it's quite extraordinary. I haven't seen Elephant Man in a loooong time. I need to get that on DVD. We had it on the most wonderful technology called Laser Disc. Too bad it got tacoed.
Farley Granger was the weakest part of "Strangers" by LaneMyersClassic	May 9th, 2007 03:55:47 PM
His acting is atrocious.
re: emeraldboy by beamish13	May 9th, 2007 07:57:12 PM
I totally agree with Hurt's sentiments, although "Mulholland Drive", "Shrek", and "The Holiday" are certainly contenders for worst film of the last 10 years, too. It's a pretentious mess that's incredibly patronizing towards the Japanese. You can make a very esoteric film that is intelligent, but "Lost In Translation" isn't.
I think John Hurt is a GREAT actor, but so he has an by Bronx Cheer	May 9th, 2007 10:38:10 PM
opinion! So do I, and you, and everyone else. I eat food, that doesn't make me an expert on cooking. So what John Hurt is a great actor and has been in many great films., It doesn't mean he has taste. And even if he has spectacular taste in all areas, I can live with his hating a film like that. I just happen to think his ire was directed at the Academy. Lost is a lovely film. It is NOT great, but it is damned good. It's biggest flaw, and this is what really bothered me about the movie, was the treatment of the Japanese and their language in a few scenes. Especially the "Lip" my stockings nonsense, and the crack about "for the yucks." That was jive shit. But the film had some beautiful moments, and a sense of truthfulness, and it's a definite sign that Ms. Coppola has a future.
skaul80 and slappy jones: by Sith Witch	May 10th, 2007 09:16:22 AM
skaul80, that special edition will see release in October, on both Blu-Ray and DVD. slappy jones, yes I have seen Dracula several times recently. And yes, it floors me every time. I can understand if you don't like it however. To each his own...
Heres hoping Del Torros 'The Wolfman' is 1/2 as good by uberman	May 10th, 2007 11:54:16 PM
as Coppolas 'Dracula.' Classic. Great monster flick.
For the love of God by jonnyweir	May 11th, 2007 03:37:33 AM
I come here for movie news, not for information on Harry Knowles' love life. I understand you're stoked you're getting married man, but please don't shove it down everybody's throat. That's what blogs are for. Whilst I respect your right to post whatever you want on your website, the tagline is "The best in movie, TV, DVD and comic book news." Please remember that next time you go to type a moving story about you and your fiance, like your review of a film where you started talking about how nice it was to be "innocent and naked with your sweetie" or now, when I go to read an interview with Francis Ford Coppola and instead get a moving but nonetheless completely pointless introduction regarding your bloody wedding invitations. Thanks. Sorry to be rude but I wanted to say my peace. Jonny.
Re: for the love of god by emeraldboy	May 11th, 2007 04:24:31 AM
jonnyeir. I agree with you but this is the harry knowles who compared himsself in his mission impossible 3 review to tom cruise and said that he got him and that said he was annoyed over the gossip over his love life..... no one cares about harrys love life only harry and he seems intent on giving us every damn detail. enough dude.
Hopkins and Benecio del toro by emeraldboy	May 11th, 2007 06:57:40 AM
are in the wolfman.
Harry FFS, get one of these digital recorders by Nagual	May 11th, 2007 02:35:43 PM
http://tinyurl.com/2oq7p8 Change your life. Tape is SO 20th century. It's clumsy, slow, less reliable and outdated. And thanks for the interview.
mmm, Rubicon by Magnum Opus	May 11th, 2007 03:19:24 PM
Damn but I wish the interview had the sections with FFC talking about wine making. He may be more passionate about that than film making.
WTF is FFC doing trying to suggest someone slim down by Jack_Crap	May 11th, 2007 07:26:36 PM
FFC suggests Harry and Benecio del Toro lose weight? Has Coppola looked in the mirror lately? I don't think I've ever seen a bigger 60 year old pasta belly. What's next? George W. Bush gets on us about our emissions standards? What's up with no Godfather or Apocalypse Now questions? I know, he's probably sick of answering them, but it's only appropriate he approaches the theme of old men who can't live up to the genius projects of their youth because GF1, GF2, and AN is what FFC will forever be remembered for whether he likes it or not.
Great by Sprinky	May 15th, 2007 07:19:19 AM
Loved the interview Harry. I'm glad that at least one film maker from the "old skool" is still making movies. That's at least a bright spot to most of the crap they're showing in cinemas right now.
I think Harry missed an opportunity to demolish FFC... by workshed	May 16th, 2007 07:28:21 AM
...the bloke hasn't made a half-decent film in thirty years (and yes, i'm including Tucker - Joe Jackson's score and the Tucker car itself were the only things that made that film watchable) and here comes Harry, out-of-breath, burbling wheezyily to the refrain of some of the lamest heard-it-all-before questions. Interview technique..? Well, unless Harry has perfected a technique for quick removal of brown stains from ones nose, this 'interview' (and i use that term very loosely) was completely without merit. I mean, why not send the wunderkind intern..? He at least might have made it to the hotel room without hogging the elevator all to himself. Or, better still, they could have sent moi. I would have asked him WTF the wine-industry has to do with having a passion for movie making..? There are people far more talented all over this globe who try their fucking hardest to get their (superior) movies seen or ideas heard. Coppolla can only re-enter the biz because he is a rich fat mafia bastard and it sucks that Harry, supposedly a defender of the faith and true movie lover, sucks down hard on FFC's weenie... can't wait for them to get back together again. Is it possible that Harry might ever fire himself..? I think that question was answered a long time ago after Blade II. If Harry was a junior reporter at AICN i'm sure he would have been fired for this.
puzo wrote like he was possessed... by RAWHEAD RALF	May 17th, 2007 05:25:15 PM
...blatty must have named his demon after the great puzo. but can the wine be purchased in canada? i'll check the liquor store...
I Just Realized by Mr_Deadite	May 18th, 2007 10:24:40 PM
Harry is marrying Yoko Ono. Ew.

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Harry sits down in Austin with Francis Ford Coppola and talks YOUTH WITHOUT YOUTH, Seventies film, Wine, TETRO and the Coppolas

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