Lionsgate, a major film distributor, has been compelled to retract the trailer for Francis Ford Coppola's latest film, "Megalopolis," following allegations of fabricated critics' quotes. The trailer, released just yesterday, garnered over 1.3 million views on YouTube before being pulled.
The controversial trailer featured purported negative reviews of Coppola's previous acclaimed works, including "The Godfather," "Apocalypse Now," and "Bram Stoker's Dracula." These films, now considered classics, have collectively earned numerous accolades and cemented Coppola's status as a cinematic legend.
Notably, the trailer misattributed several quotes to respected film critics. For instance, Pauline Kael, known for her influential work at The New Yorker from 1968 to 1991, was falsely quoted as saying "The Godfather" was "diminished by its artsiness." Similarly, Roger Ebert, the first film critic to win a Pulitzer Prize, was incorrectly cited criticizing "Bram Stoker's Dracula."
In response to these discrepancies, Lionsgate issued a statement:
"Lionsgate is immediately recalling our trailer for Megalopolis. We offer our sincere apologies to the critics involved and to Francis Ford Coppola and American Zoetrope for this inexcusable error in our vetting process. We screwed up. We are sorry."
"Megalopolis," Coppola's latest project, premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, receiving mixed reviews. The film, starring Adam Driver, is set in a fictional "New Rome," drawing parallels to modern-day New York City. With a reported budget of $120 million, funded by Coppola himself, the film represents a significant investment in his vision.
Currently, "Megalopolis" holds a 53% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a review aggregator site launched in 1998. The film is scheduled for release on September 27, 2024, giving audiences the opportunity to form their own opinions on Coppola's ambitious project.
The incident has sparked discussions about the potential use of artificial intelligence in trailer creation, though Lionsgate has not commented on these speculations. As AI continues to play an increasing role in film production and marketing, this controversy highlights the importance of maintaining ethical standards in promotional materials.
Francis Ford Coppola, now 85 years old, has been a influential figure in cinema for over five decades. His works, including "The Godfather" (1972) and "Apocalypse Now" (1979), are widely regarded as some of the greatest films ever made. With "Megalopolis," Coppola continues to push boundaries in filmmaking, drawing on his extensive experience and unique vision.
As the release date approaches, film enthusiasts and critics alike eagerly await the opportunity to experience Coppola's latest cinematic endeavor, free from the controversy surrounding its promotional materials.