‘The Best Direction I’ve Ever Got:’ Megalopolis’ Adam Driver Explains How Francis Ford Coppola Set The Tone For The Film On Day One

by

As a gamer who’s spent countless hours immersed in virtual worlds, I can say that Adam Driver’s career trajectory is akin to leveling up in a game of epic proportions. From his breakout role in Girls to his stellar performance in the Star Wars saga, it’s been a thrilling journey through diverse genres and esteemed collaborators.

Adam Driver’s career is marked by several striking elements, such as his breakout performance in the HBO series “Girls” that catapulted him to stardom, and later, his portrayal of a main antagonist in the “Star Wars” films. However, it’s the last few years that have set him apart, with him collaborating with some of the most accomplished directors currently active in cinema. This impressive roster includes Martin Scorsese, Ridley Scott, Jim Jarmusch, Noah Baumbach, Michael Mann, Steven Soderbergh, and Spike Lee.

Working with Francis Ford Coppola on “Megalopolis” stands out among his impressive collaborations, as it was during this project that Driver experienced what he considers to be the most insightful guidance he’s received as a performer.

During a recent chat with Adam Driver at the Toronto International Film Festival’s Megalopolis press day, we delved into topics ranging from his movie-watching habits to his experiences collaborating with distinguished filmmakers. Among other things, I probed about the potential intimidation factor when working with legendary directors like Francis Ford Coppola on his ambitious sci-fi project. Driver shared an interesting perspective, stating that exceptional directors all possess a common characteristic that mitigates such feelings: they all have a unique approach to their craft that overpowers any initial apprehension.

At first, I felt a bit intimidated, but folks like Martin Scorsese and Jim Jarmusch have a unique charm. They make it clear they hired me for my creativity, and they genuinely mean it. They aren’t there to judge every idea or impulse as right or wrong; instead, they’ve got the final say, but they won’t always use it. What they truly desire is to be amazed, just like I do. We’re all in this to create something unexpected and extraordinary together.

fundamentally speaking, it’s not just about the filmmakers making decisions for Adam Driver; they employ him so they can observe and listen to his unique ideas and perspectives.

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share an intriguing insight from my favorite actor, Adam Driver. He recounted a conversation he had with Francis Ford Coppola during the filming of Megalopolis on his very first day. Not only did Coppola offer his performers a high degree of creative liberty, but he also imparted some profound words that have stayed with Driver ever since.

They are communicating what they want to create, and it’s your job to echo their ideas while also using the time effectively to further enhance it. Francis Ford Coppola, just like everyone else, wasn’t an exception. It seemed more like an experimental stage production. On my first day on set, his direction (which I believe was exceptional and perhaps the best I ever received) was, ‘We need to be bolder.’ This sentiment established the tone for our work throughout the entire film.

In a style heavily influenced by contemporary metaphors, Megalopolis presents Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina, an architect with a groundbreaking vision for New Rome’s future. Despite his ambitious plans, resistance from those who desire to preserve the status quo hinders him. Financed personally by Francis Ford Coppola, this film is daring and free of artistic constraints, earning mixed responses but undeniably swinging for the fences at every turn.

In response to the valuable guidance given by Francis Ford Coppola, Adam Driver pointed out that his comments weren’t exclusively for him following a take, but were applicable to everyone associated with the film’s production. He further explained this by saying.

It was for everybody. It was the thing. ‘We’re all collectively not being brave enough.’ It said a lot of things in my mind that I’m reading into, which could have been not what he was trying to say, but we’re getting too safe. We’re trying to make a movie like you’re accustomed to making films.

As a devoted admirer, I’m thrilled about the star-studded cast of Megalopolis, boasting seasoned talents like Giancarlo Esposito, Dustin Hoffman, and Laurence Fishburne. Yet, unlike what you might expect, Francis Ford Coppola wasn’t content with his actors relying on their extensive experience. Instead, he aimed to challenge the boundaries of our craft, with Adam Driver and every actor serving as collaborators in his quest to innovate and advance the art form. In his own words, Driver expressed this very sentiment.

I appreciate films because they strive to advance the art form and offer something fresh and unique. They respect their audience by not spoon-feeding every detail, allowing viewers to understand the complexities over multiple viewings. This film seems to embody that, as it’s a challenge to grasp everything in a single viewing but becomes clearer with each subsequent watch.

The movie “Megalopolis” can be watched multiple times by you, since it’s currently being screened at cinemas across the country – it even managed to claim the sixth spot among the top-earning films during the previous weekend.

Read More

2024-10-01 01:08