Sofia Coppola’s ambitious project, the series adaptation of Edith Wharton’s “The Custom of the Country,” hit a roadblock and was ultimately scrapped. In a recent interview with The New York Times, Coppola shed light on the demise of the project. Apple TV+, which was set to produce the series, decided not to move forward due to concerns about the main character.
Coppola expressed her frustration, noting that Apple executives were hesitant to invest in her five-hour adaptation because they had reservations about the unlikable nature of the story’s central character. She pointed out that decision-makers in the industry often have a particular sensibility, and the struggle to secure financing for projects with female protagonists remains a significant challenge, especially for emerging female filmmakers.
The director’s disappointment was evident as she observed that the individuals in control of funding decisions are predominantly straight men. This experience highlights the ongoing difficulties women, both established and emerging in the industry, face in getting their projects greenlit. Coppola’s comments shed light on the gender bias that still pervades the industry.
Despite the setback with “The Custom of the Country,” Apple is not entirely sidelining Edith Wharton’s work, as they have another adaptation of her unfinished novel, “The Buccaneers,” slated for a streaming debut. The platform features several shows with strong female leads, like “The Morning Show” and “Bad Sisters.”
Coppola, known for her distinct directorial style, had expressed her enthusiasm for the project when it was first announced. Undine Spragg, the novel’s central character, resonated with her as a compelling literary anti-heroine. The collaboration with Apple TV+ had previously borne fruit with the release of “On the Rocks,” a 2020 father-daughter dramedy starring Rashida Jones and Bill Murray.
Coppola’s latest film, “Priscilla,” received acclaim following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival. The project, however, faced budget challenges as financing fell through shortly before production began. As a result, a significant portion of the shoot had to be cut, reducing the total shooting schedule to 30 days. The industry’s financial hurdles, especially for female filmmakers, persist, and Coppola’s experience underscores these ongoing challenges.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Why was Sofia Coppola criticised for Godfather?
Sofia Coppola faced harsh backlash over her casting in The Godfather Part III, with accusations of nepotism and subpar acting. Critics called out the director for favoring family connections over talent, and pointed to her performance as a weak link in the film.
Are Sofia Coppola and Nicolas Cage related?
The Coppola lineage is deeply rooted in the world of cinema, with iconic director Francis Ford Coppola leading the way, along with his sister Talia Shire, and his offspring Gian-Carlo, Roman, and Sofia Coppola. The family’s filmmaking tradition extends to the next generation with granddaughter Gia Coppola, and their nephews Nicolas Cage and Jason Schwartzman also making their mark in the industry.
Why is Sofia Coppola famous?
An acclaimed American filmmaker, producer, scriptwriter, and fashion designer, recognized for her work on celebrated movies The Virgin Suicides (1999) and Lost in Translation (2003). In 2004, she made history as the initial American female to earn an Academy Award nomination for best director.
Was Sofia Coppola the baby in The Godfather?
Coppola’s acting journey started early in her life, appearing in eight of her father’s movies as a background figure. One of the most famous appearances was in The Godfather, where she played the role of the infant Michael Francis Rizzi during the baptism scene. Despite facing critiques of nepotism and receiving negative reviews, her career took off from a young age.