Less than 24 hours after the trailer for Francis Ford Coppola’s polarizing epic Megalopolis was released, the video was taken down for using fake negative quotes from film critics.
The pulled trailer took the offensive against the smattering of real, bad post-Cannes reviews, and opened with a look back at the director’s career and critical assessments of Coppola’s previous masterpieces like The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and Dracula. However, the video featured negative quotes from well-known film critics — including Pauline Kael of The New Yorker, Vincent Canby of The New York Times and Roger Ebert of The Chicago Sun Times — that were no where to be found, according to Vulture.
The Fabricated Quotes
According to the outlet, the trailer also included fake quotes from Andrew Sarris in The Village Voice and Rex Reed in The New York Observer. Megalopolis is set to arrive in theaters on Sept. 27.
Coppola's Controversial Film
Earlier this month, Megalopolis garnered controversy after Coppola was accused of kissing female extras without their consent. “I was in shock. I didn’t expect him to kiss and hug me like that,” said one of the women, Lauren Pagone, Variety reported. “I was caught off guard. And I can tell you he came around a couple times.”
This article was updated on at 8:56 p.m. ET on Aug. 21 to include a statement from a Lionsgate spokesperson.
The Latest Controversy
The trailer snafu is the latest in a string of scandals befalling the $120 million production, which Coppola financed entirely himself. Last month, Variety exclusively obtained video depicting Coppola trying to kiss young female extras on the set of the project, as additional crew members detailed his unprofessional behavior during production.
This is not the first time Coppola has been accused of inappropriate behavior. In 2012, actress Mia Farrow accused Coppola of sexually harassing her on the set of the 1974 film The Great Gatsby. Coppola has denied these allegations, but the recent accusations have reignited debate about Coppola’s conduct.
The Future of 'Megalopolis'
The film is set to have its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival next month before hitting theaters on Sept. 27. It remains to be seen whether the controversy surrounding the trailer and the allegations of misconduct will affect the film’s box office performance.
Coppola's Legacy
Coppola is a legendary filmmaker, but his recent actions have tarnished his image. The director’s career has been marred by scandal, but his films continue to be celebrated. It’s a reminder that even the most celebrated artists can have flaws. It remains to be seen how this controversy will affect Coppola’s legacy.
The Power of the Trailer
The controversy surrounding the 'Megalopolis' trailer is a reminder of the power of trailers in shaping audience expectations. Trailers are often the first exposure audiences have to a film, and they can be used to create hype, build excitement, and generate buzz. However, trailers can also be used to mislead audiences, as in the case of 'Megalopolis'. It's crucial for studios to be transparent in their marketing efforts and to ensure that trailers are accurate and representative of the films they are promoting.
What’s Next for 'Megalopolis'
The movie is set to have its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival next month before hitting theaters on Sept. 27. While there is still much speculation about the film’s success, it remains to be seen if this will have a positive or negative impact on the box office.
The Importance of Accuracy
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accuracy in film marketing. The fabrication of critical quotes in the Megalopolis trailer is a clear indication of the lengths to which some studios will go to promote their films. This deceitful practice not only undermines the integrity of film criticism but also damages the trust between studios and audiences.
In a world where information is readily available at our fingertips, audiences are becoming increasingly discerning about the content they consume. Studio executives should take heed of this shift in consumer behavior and prioritize honesty and transparency in their marketing campaigns. Failing to do so could result in further damage to their reputation and ultimately harm the success of their films.
