Francis Ford Coppola, renowned filmmaker and director of movies such as “The Godfather,” recently joined the TikTok trend of answering the viral question: “How often do you think about the Roman Empire?” In response, Coppola revealed that he thinks about it quite often, citing the Roman Republic as a significant influence on his upcoming film, “Megalopolis.”
For the past few weeks, this trend has been circulating on social media, with women asking the men in their lives how often they think about the Roman Empire. Most men respond by claiming that they think about it either daily or multiple times a week. It is interesting to see how this historical period continues to capture people’s imagination and interest.
Coppola explained that his fascination with the Roman Republic stems from its political parties’ struggle, in which the ambitions of a few powerful individuals overshadowed the interests of the Republic itself. The desire for personal fortune and authority led these individuals to rely on armed forces to achieve their goals, ultimately contributing to the downfall of the Roman Republic’s constitution. It is this struggle and unraveling of a once-great civilization that captivates him and serves as the inspiration for his film.
“Megalopolis” is a long-awaited passion project for Coppola, who has been working on it for decades. The film centers around an architect who envisions rebuilding New York City as a utopian society after a devastating disaster. The star-studded cast includes Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, Forest Whitaker, Laurence Fishburne, Jon Voight, Talia Shire, Shia LaBeouf, Aubrey Plaza, Jason Schwartzman, and Dustin Hoffman.
What makes “Megalopolis” even more remarkable is that Coppola is self-financing it with his own money, totaling $120 million. The decision to take full control of the project and fund it independently allows Coppola to bring his vision to life without compromising his artistic integrity. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2022, he expressed his willingness to go against the norm and pursue his own ideas, even if they clash with conventional filmmaking expectations. Coppola believes that sometimes an unconventional approach represents what the future holds and should be given serious consideration.
While “Megalopolis” does not have an exact release date yet, it is expected to hit theaters next year. Fans of Coppola’s work have eagerly awaited this film, and they can look forward to a thought-provoking exploration of political struggles, ambition, and the potential downfall of a society.
In conclusion, Francis Ford Coppola’s revelation about his thoughts on the Roman Empire showcases his deep interest in history and its influence on his upcoming film, “Megalopolis.” Through this film, Coppola aims to explore the struggles faced by the Roman Republic and draw parallels to contemporary society. With a stellar cast and his self-financing approach, “Megalopolis” promises to be a unique and thought-provoking addition to Coppola’s impressive filmography. Fans eagerly anticipate its release in the coming year.