Francis Ford Coppola's "Old-School" Behavior on "Megalopolis" Set Alleged

Francis Ford Coppola's recent film, "Megalopolis," has been marred by allegations of inappropriate behavior towards female cast members. The veteran director's "old-school" approach to filmmaking has come under scrutiny, raising questions about the treatment of women in the industry.

Francis Ford Coppola's reputation has been called into question following allegations of inappropriate behavior on the set of his latest film, "Megalopolis." The Guardian published a report detailing a series of complaints from female extras, accusing the 85-year-old director of "old-school" behavior, including unwanted physical contact.

According to the report, Coppola allegedly kissed several topless or scantily clad female extras during the filming of a nightclub scene. Sources claimed that he attempted to "get them in the mood" by pulling them onto his lap and making inappropriate advances.

Darren Demetre, an executive co-producer on "Megalopolis," defended Coppola's actions in a statement to The Guardian, attributing them to his desire to create a "club atmosphere" on set. He stated that Coppola gave "kind hugs and kisses on the cheek" to both male and female cast members to foster a convivial spirit.

However, representatives for Coppola did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment, leaving the veracity of the allegations open to interpretation.

Coppola's behavior has sparked a broader discussion about the treatment of women in the film industry, particularly in light of his comments to The New York Times. He stated that he believes approaching women is disrespectful and denied any wrongdoing, claiming that he was simply shy and uncomfortable with physical contact.

The allegations have also raised questions about Coppola's filmmaking style, which has been described as "old-school" and resistant to modern filmmaking techniques. A crew member who wished to remain anonymous told The Guardian that Coppola "still lives in this world where, as an auteur, you're the only one who knows what's happening."

Sources within the crew claimed that Coppola's unwavering adherence to practical effects over digital ones led to wasted time and inefficient production. They also alleged a disconnect between Coppola's vision and the capabilities of the technical team, resulting in clashes and delays.

Coppola's "Megalopolis" is his first film in 13 years and has faced numerous challenges during its production. The epic, which is set in a futuristic New York, has cost Coppola $120 million of his own money and has been in development for decades.

The film stars Adam Driver, Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight, and Laurence Fishburne and features a sprawling narrative about an architect who possesses the ability to control time. Despite its high-profile cast and ambitious premise, "Megalopolis" has received mixed reviews, ranging from praise for its audacity to criticism for its overly ambitious scope.

The allegations against Coppola have cast a shadow over the film's release, which is still seeking domestic distribution. It remains to be seen how these events will impact Coppola's legacy and the future of "Megalopolis."