Renowned filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola has issued a stern warning about the precarious state of American politics. During a press conference at the Cannes Festival, where he premiered his ambitious project Megalopolis, Coppola conveyed his deep concerns. Drawing parallels between the United States and ancient Rome, Coppola compared the current political climate in America to the decline of the Roman Republic.
Coppola, responsible for classics like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, spoke candidly about his fears that the Republic is nearing its end. “What’s happening in America looks a lot like how Rome lost its republic thousands of years ago,” he stated. He cautioned that political failures are pushing the country toward a dangerous precipice.
In Megalopolis, Coppola illustrates a futuristic metropolis resembling New York City in a state of opulent decay, mirroring the waning days of Rome. The director once envisioned the project as a contemporary Roman epic, not realizing how prescient it would become amidst today’s tumultuous political environment.
Though the film received mixed reviews at Cannes, the divide did little to dampen Coppola’s message. With a star-studded cast including Adam Driver, Laurence Fishburne, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, and noted conservative Jon Voight, Coppola emphasized the cast’s representation of various political perspectives.
Coppola underscored the dangers of straying from foundational republican principles. “America was built on the ideals of the Roman Republic,” he reminded the audience. “We rejected monarchies just as Rome did, creating a government based on Senate and Roman law, values integral to our own nation’s formation.”
Highlighting the prestigious cast, Coppola particularly mentioned Jon Voight, noting his staunch support for President Trump. The filmmaker praised the ensemble for reflecting a broad range of political beliefs, underscoring the importance of dialogue and diversity of thought in preserving the Republic.
As Coppola seeks a U.S. distributor for Megalopolis, his prescient insights should serve as a wake-up call. In these trying times, his message rings clear: to safeguard America’s liberty, we must remain vigilant stewards of the Republic.