Coppola on the parallels between the fall of Rome and U.S. decline

Francis Ford Coppola, renowned for films like The Godfather, discusses his latest project, Megalopolis, in an interview with Tom Power. The film, set in a fictional New York City called New Rome, explores themes paralleling the decline of Rome with contemporary issues in the United States. Coppola expresses concern that America may be on a similar trajectory as ancient Rome, emphasizing the importance of societal conversations about improvement. He envisions that on New Year's Eve, audiences will reflect on the state of the world and seek solutions rather than making superficial resolutions. The film's protagonist, Cesar Catilina, aims to transform a decaying city into a sustainable utopia, confronting corruption and societal decay. Coppola believes that human creativity can address major global challenges, including wealth inequality and environmental issues, if the underlying systems are reformed. He critiques the advertising industry for perpetuating unhappiness to sell fleeting happiness, arguing that the key to a better society lies in open dialogue and questioning existing systems. Ultimately, Coppola's message is one of hope, asserting that the horrors of the world are unnecessary and can be resolved through collective discourse.

- Coppola's film Megalopolis draws parallels between the fall of Rome and the current state of the U.S.

- He hopes audiences will engage in meaningful conversations about societal issues during New Year's celebrations.

- The film's narrative centers on a character striving to rebuild a decaying metropolis amidst corruption.

- Coppola advocates for human ingenuity as a solution to global challenges like inequality and environmental degradation.

- He critiques the advertising industry for fostering unhappiness to sell happiness, emphasizing the need for open dialogue.