The Coppola clan, consisting of Francis, Sophia, Ronan, Eleanor and Nicolas Cage (née Nicolas Kim Coppola), have made a significant impact on American film. Most prominently, Francis Ford Coppola's critical and commercial success with his Godfather series, started a broad career writing, directing and producing a variety of films, from the bold and ambitious to smaller and more personal work. In the early 2000’s, his daughter Sophia set the tone for accessible but artistic contemporary drama, with her understated debut The Virgin Suicides, and her career defining Lost in Translation. Ronan has worked repeatedly with Wes Anderson while Eleanor shot the footage eventually used for Hearts of Darkness, a documentary of Apocalypse Now’s creation. In addition to their film endeavors the family has founded both a renowned winery as well as the Zoetrope: All Story literary journal, the former located in all purveyors of fine food and drink, while the latter is located on our 3rd floor.
Deb recommends Moonrise Kingdom
Co-written by Roman Coppola, this quirky coming-of-age movie is not like anything else I've ever seen. It captures the innocence of the 1960s, but rings true today with young teens feeling misunderstood by the adults in their lives.
Heather recommends Apocalypse Now
Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness was one of my favorite required reading books in high school lit class, but I'd never seen Francis Ford Coppola's translation of the work in Apocalypse Now -- until a recent showing of the film at the Roxie Cinema. Without a doubt, it blew my mind. For those who have read Heart of Darkness, you'll recognize the parallels of the ivory trade with the war machine, and the Congo with the river mission from Vietnam to Cambodia. The issues of colonialism resonate in Apocalypse Now just as strongly as they do in Heart of Darkness -- with questions about what "civilization" is, and what sacrifices people make to sustain it.
Bobbie recommends The Outsiders
The Outsiders, based on the novel by S.E. Hinton, is an 80's classic though the film setting is closer to the 1960's. Greasers vs. Socs, friendship, loyalty, and teen angst at its finest. Not only was it a Coppola family affair (dad Francis directing daughter Sophia in a brief scene) but it also introduced us to many of the heartthrobs of the day including Matt Dillon, Rob Lowe, Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze and more. Despite its lean towards younger viewers, this is a fine film with great direction and acting from a star studded cast.
Taryn recommends Patton
George C. Scott is singularly amazing - as Bruno Ganz embodied Hitler, Scott is Il Duce.
and
Brilliant or disgusting flop? The reviews are mixed on this film but, no doubt, this is a must see if you're curious about the "monster".
