As a seasoned movie critic with over three decades of experience in the industry, I have seen my fair share of behind-the-scenes drama and questionable behavior. However, the recent allegations against Francis Ford Coppola on the set of “Megalopolis” have left me utterly astounded and disheartened.
A cast member from Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis” production has spoken up, expressing the surprise and discomfort she experienced when the director unexpectedly kissed her during the shooting of a particular scene.
A week following the release of videos by EbMaster, showing the Oscar-winning director, Francis Ford Coppola, kissing female extras in a crowd scene from his film “Megalopolis”, one of the women involved, Lauren Pagone, has spoken out. In the midst of a live take for a nightclub sequence, she claims Coppola approached her and pulled her towards him. After hugging her, he went on to kiss her.
“I was taken aback, as I hadn’t anticipated him giving me such an embrace. It took me by surprise. Let me share with you, he made unexpected visits a few times.”
In recent years, Pagone has been involved in various studio projects such as “Mayor of Kingstown” on Paramount+ and “City on Fire” on Apple TV+. Interestingly, unlike other projects he’s worked on, an intimacy coordinator was not present during any scenes involving nudity. As per a call sheet reviewed by EbMaster, several actresses were given clearance to perform topless in a nightclub scene. However, Pagone himself did not appear nude and was dressed in a top with a deep neckline.
After Rayna Menz, another actress, disclosed to Deadline that she appeared in one of the two videos released by EbMaster, Pagone chose to step forward publicly. Menz shared with the trade publication that Coppola did not behave in a way that made anyone on set feel uncomfortable during filming.
Menz failed to address an email sent by EbMaster seeking further input. Pagone was frustrated because Menz seemed to be representing the whole cast and team of the movie without consultation.
“Pagone stated that he dislikes others speaking on his behalf and certainly wouldn’t do the same for that actress. He has remained silent, choosing not to share his thoughts. However, it bothers him when she claims that everyone enjoyed the experience when she can’t possibly know how others felt. Each person can only speak from their own perspective. His experience was distinctly different.”
A spokesperson for Coppola said no one was available for comment on this article.
Samantha McDonald, the intimacy coordinator for Megalopolis, shared with EbMaster that she and her fellow coordinator Ashley Anderson were not present during the filming of the nightclub scene on February 14, 2023, at Atlanta’s Tabernacle concert hall. When asked about why they weren’t there initially and later joined the set, McDonald stated, “I can’t provide a clear explanation for when they decided to involve us and when they didn’t.”
Over the past few days, I’ve heard a fellow cast member come forward with an intriguing story about Coppola. They claimed to have observed him sharing affectionate kisses with several women during a scene set for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Just before filming commenced, Coppola reportedly encouraged the extras to behave as they would at a regular holiday gathering and share a kiss at the stroke of midnight. He even hinted that he might join in and plant a few kisses himself.
Following his “cut” command, Coppola unexpectedly approached several women, giving them quick pecks on the cheek. A witness explained that these women seemed taken aback, as they hadn’t anticipated his approach. He simply reached out and kissed them without asking for their consent first. After a moment of surprise, the women giggled it off, but I could tell they were caught off guard.
The individual operating the camera during most of the filming, as first seen by EbMaster, verified that Director Coppola kissed some female extras while shooting the New Year’s Eve scene, adding that this was just one example among many instances where he kissed background actors during production.
The performer who has been involved with several notable projects in and near Atlanta expresses, “Working on that set felt incredibly strange and unsettling to me. That experience might have been the most unpleasant one I’ve had on any set so far.”
As a passionate cinephile, I’ve noticed that the content previously shared by EbMaster seems to align with claims made in a May report from The Guardian. This report alleged that the renowned 85-year-old director attempted to kiss some of the scantily clad and topless female extras, justifying his actions as trying to “get them in the mood.” In one of EbMaster’s videos, I observed Coppola approaching Pagone. She turned her back to him, and he then drew closer, giving the appearance of hugging and kissing her.
Reports indicate that filmmaker Coppola, known for iconic films like “The Godfather” and “The Conversation,” seemed to act without repercussions on set. This was due to the fact that Coppola funded the entire $120 million budget himself, which meant there were fewer avenues for addressing unconventional behavior. In contrast, productions by streamers and major studios often have established human resources departments where cast and crew can voice complaints or concerns.
The team member who recorded the footage shared with EbMaster that Coppola repeatedly jumped up to hug and kiss various women, frequently disrupting the shot and causing it to be spoiled. This behavior, according to the team member, was uncommon. (Pagone verified to EbMaster that the video featuring her was captured during a live broadcast, not during a break.)
The team member stated that following several attempts, Coppola approached a microphone and declared within hearing distance of everyone present, “Apologies, should I approach you to kiss you. Please understand, it’s entirely for my own enjoyment.”
Lionsgate will be bringing “Megalopolis,” featuring performances by Adam Driver, Aubrey Plaza, and Shia LaBeouf, to domestic theaters on September 27.
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2024-08-02 18:19