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  • ‘High Ground’ Interview: Jon Voight and Charlie Weber

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    Available to buy on digital beginning March 18th is the new modern day Western ‘High Ground’, which was directed by James Bamford (‘Shadow Land’), and stars Charlie Weber (‘The Painter’), Katherine McNamara (‘Arrow’), Henry Thomas (‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial‘), and Oscar winner Jon Voight (‘Heat’ and ‘Megalopolis’).

    Related Article: Jon Voight Talks ‘The Painter’ and If He’ll Appear in ‘Heat 2’

    (Left) Jon Voight in 'High Ground'. Photo: Republic Pictures. (Right) Charlie Weber in 'High Ground'. Photo: Republic Pictures.
    (Left) Jon Voight in ‘High Ground’. Photo: Republic Pictures. (Right) Charlie Weber in ‘High Ground’. Photo: Republic Pictures.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Jon Voight and Charlie Weber about their work on ‘High Ground’, Voight’s first reaction to the screenplay, how Weber developed the project, their characters, working together again, their respect for actress Katherine McNamara, preparing for the action sequences, collaborating with director James Bamford, on set and if Mr. Voight is still having fun making movies at this point in his career.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Voight, Weber, and Katherine McNamara.

    Jon Voight in 'High Ground'. Photo: Republic Pictures.
    Jon Voight in ‘High Ground’. Photo: Republic Pictures.

    Moviefone: To begin with, Mr. Voight, what was your first reaction to this screenplay and why did you want to be involved in this project?

    Jon Voight: Well, I was recommended to it, and it’s always exciting to get somebody who wants you for a part. I had worked with Charlie on a picture called ‘The Painter’, and it was a big success with the Paramount+ folks, a popular movie. So, I was excited to read it. Then, when I did read it, I found that it could be very powerful, actually, and all the pieces playing their proper parts. I thought I could probably do the part they asked me to do, playing his father and the story. I said, “Yeah, let’s do this.” It turned out to be a good picture. I’m very pleased with the picture, Jami.

    MF: Charlie, can you talk about your approach to this character and how Jake’s military background makes him uniquely qualified for the situation he finds himself in?

    Charlie Webber: Absolutely. I developed this script for months. I found it. My friend Jon Thaddeus, who I had wanted to work with on a prior movie but had to drop out because of a scheduling thing with a show I was on. So, I wanted to produce something, and I saw this script of his, ‘High Ground’, and just shaped it into what it is, a sort of a modern day western. The character, Jake Wilcott, is based, not even loosely, on his son who served as an Army Ranger. I wanted to bring that to the movie. But anyone with that kind of training that’s been through those experiences can take care of business, so to speak, but also, they bring with them an experience having come home. He just wanted to kind of lay low and not be involved. He had to find himself throughout this story to step up to do what he does.

    (L to R) Charlie Weber and Jon Voight in 'High Ground'. Photo: Republic Pictures.
    (L to R) Charlie Weber and Jon Voight in ‘High Ground’. Photo: Republic Pictures.

    MF: Mr. Voight, can you talk about Ezra’s relationship with his son Jake, and how he helps him through this situation?

    JV: Well, he’s been the sheriff. The character I play has been his dad and the sheriff for quite a long time, 35 years. He’s gotten a little older, and he’s going to be stepping down, and he’s passing it on to his son. He knows that his son has been through quite something in his military service and is shy in many ways of taking it on. He’s concerned about his son. I think that makes the piece rich, this, “You know, I’m capable of things,” and occasionally, I step up and say, “You want me to handle this son?” He says, “No, Dad, I’ll take it,” or whatever. I think it’s a good relationship. Then, we both come to the finale, and everyone involved must be capable of holding off this evil attack of many bad folks who are capable of just annihilating us. We’re only a few people, but we’re all skilled. Then, the audience sees what happens, and the final battles are quite extraordinary and fun for the audience. The skill set of this guy (Charlie) is terrific.

    MF: Charlie, you and Mr. Voight have worked together before, did that help with the father/son relationship you have in this movie?

    CW: Jon alluded to that, the relationship he and I have, and we’ve worked together before and we had a shorthand going into this movie. We work well together. I really enjoy working with Jon. That relationship and the sense of family and love that you get from this movie, by the time you get to the showdown, the stakes are very high.

    MF: Charlie, can you talk about the way the town’s residents rally together to support Jake when they are attacked?

    CW: They absolutely do. I think, as I said, when I was developing it, I’m from a small town, and I wanted to sort of reflect that and the mentality of people that are in this small place together. When you’re used to something, change can be tough for everybody. When someone’s been the sheriff for 35 or 40 years, to have somebody else come in when you’re used to something else can be hard for everyone. But it was hard for Jake. He didn’t know if he wanted to take on that responsibility after what he’d been through. So, I think the movie reflects that and ultimately the community rallying together.

    (L to R) Charlie Weber and Katherine McNamara in 'High Ground'. Photo: Republic Pictures.
    (L to R) Charlie Weber and Katherine McNamara in ‘High Ground’. Photo: Republic Pictures.

    MF: Charlie, can you talk about Jake’s relationship with Cassie and working with Katherine McNamara?

    CW: Kat was perfect. She was such a great Cassie. We just really got along immediately and had a great rapport, respected each other’s work, and it was just breezy. We really got along great, and the scenes together were so fun and just natural. I really enjoyed working with her.

    MF: Mr. Voight, what was your experience like working with Katherine McNamara?

    JV: You know, the thing about Kate, I mean, she’s really gifted in many ways, and she’s gifted physically in terms of all of her understanding of martial arts and stuff. She’s very talented, and she has quite a following because of that. But she’s also a wonderful actress, too. She’s good.

    Charlie Weber in 'High Ground'. Photo: Republic Pictures.
    Charlie Weber in ‘High Ground’. Photo: Republic Pictures.

    MF: Charlie, can you talk about preparing for the action sequences and how you executed them on set?

    CW: (We had a) great stunt team and great stunts. The gunplay, like I said, you have a great team of people surrounding you. I’m very fortunate to have gotten to work with a lot of great people over the years and have received a lot of training from a lot of talented people. We just had great stunt and fighting guys, like Max Kraus, who was an absolute pleasure, and I’d love to do it again, but just a great crew. You show up early. You dedicate yourself to just learning everything and focusing on making everything look right. Now, I’m a big fan of working extremely hard to master the things they try to teach me. I think it’s sort of a way to honor the people that do these things.

    MF: Charlie, does training stay with you from film to film, or do you have to train differently for different roles?

    CW: It’s nice to brush up on things, but I stay active in my personal life as well, when it comes to shooting, et cetera, and martial arts. So, for me, it’s nice to get in with a true professional and brush up on everything. But luckily for me, I’ve been fortunate enough to do enough of these movies where it’s pretty much in my bones at this point.

    (L to R) Charlie Weber and Jon Voight in 'High Ground'. Photo: Republic Pictures.
    (L to R) Charlie Weber and Jon Voight in ‘High Ground’. Photo: Republic Pictures.

    MF: Mr. Voight, you’ve worked with director James Bamford before, what do you enjoy about working with him?

    JV: He’s appropriately named “Bam”, you know, Bamford. Because he has a dynamic personality. All together positive, and he’s very prepared. He’s been a martial arts guy, and he’s fought in the cage, you know, he’s the real thing. So, he has a very high expectation for the work that the stunt people do. He puts them through a lot of stuff. Sometimes I get scared. I said, “Wait, what are you going to let that guy get hit with the thing? Then he says, “Oh, yeah, he’ll do that.” I’m very concerned about all the folks around. But he’s a total professional, very smart, very good guy, and it’s a pleasure to work with him.

    MF: Charlie, what was your experience like working with James Bamford?

    CW: I love James. I loved working with him. I can’t wait to work with him again. I think to the point of what we were talking about, he is a great director, but in a previous career was a top tier stunt coordinator. He really truly cares about that work, but he also truly cares about his guys, the stunt performers. When you’ve got that camaraderie on a set, the stunts just go, great.

    (L to R) Charlie Weber and Jon Voight in 'High Ground'. Photo: Republic Pictures.
    (L to R) Charlie Weber and Jon Voight in ‘High Ground’. Photo: Republic Pictures.

    MF: Mr. Voight what was it like reuniting with Charlie on this film after making ‘The Painter’?

    JV: Oh, Charlie and I get along. We have from the beginning when we did ‘The Painter’. You kind of try to get to know somebody and have a sense of what their relationship might be. From the beginning, Charlie and I got along. Charlie’s a wonderful actor and a total professional. When I came to the set, he was ready, and I was ready. That’s a great thing. I mean, once you know that, you’re in. Anyway, he has a wonderful way with these kinds of films too, because he’s got the physical ability on top of it, and the ability to go long nights with a few pieces of damage on his body to make it interesting. But no, he’s the real thing.

    MF: Charlie, what have you learned about acting from working with Oscar winner Jon Voight?

    CW: I, obviously, was very excited to meet Jon when we did ‘The Painter’, but as he said, we immediately just fell into a conversation and really got along. Then, as he also said, you step on set, and you got two guys that are ready to go and have some fun and care about the work and then care about not just the work, but each other and the people around them. I just really, obviously, admired his work before we’d met. Then, I just loved him as a person, and we just had a great chemistry. I think it was just a reinforcement of something that I’ve already felt, which is, you take the work seriously, but are a kind and cool person. I think seeing Jon on set just sort of reinforced that if you’re someone who truly cares about the work and the people around them, you’re going to do something special.

    Jon Voight in 'High Ground'. Photo: Republic Pictures.
    Jon Voight in ‘High Ground’. Photo: Republic Pictures.

    MF: Finally, Mr. Voight, at this point in your legendary career, are you still having fun making movies?

    JV: Oh, sure. It’s always dangerous, too. You never know how things are going to work out. So, when you come to the set, each scene has its own demands, and you’re concerned about it, but it’s fun. That’s why we’re in this world. We fell in love with it at a certain point. We really love to come to the set and do this work and see if we can pull something off for the people. So no, I haven’t lost any of the enthusiasm I had when I was young, and I’m still very demanding, and I want to see it work right and all of that. I mean, it is an interesting thing about stunts. When anybody’s doing a lot of stunts, you’re concerned for them. Sometimes young actors, they want to show off, or they want to prove themselves. They’re not concerned with some of the things that keep things safe. It’s a danger. But when you’re a professional, there is a little danger on the set. These timings must be right and all of that, and you must know how to fall and stuff like that. But anyway, the good ones, and Charlie’s one of the good ones, they take care of everything, but they do the job. That’s a whole different area. You know, I’m an actor, but I also have done quite a lot of that other stuff, too. I really admire the people who do it well.

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    What is the plot of ‘High Ground’?

    When a mysterious prisoner (Henry Thomas) lands in his jail, a border town sheriff (Charlie Weber) faces the wrath of a brutal cartel.

    Who is in the cast of ‘High Ground’?

    • Charlie Weber as Jake Wilcott
    • Jon Voight as Ezra Wilcott
    • Katherine McNamara as Cassie Becker
    • Henry Thomas as Nathaniel Matheson
    • James Oliver Wheatley as Marcus Novak
    Katherine McNamara in 'High Ground'. Photo: Republic Pictures.
    Katherine McNamara in ‘High Ground’. Photo: Republic Pictures.

    List of Movies and TV Shows Directed by James Bamford:

    Buy Jon Voight Movies on Amazon

  • Thandiwe Newton and Steve Zahn Join New ‘Anaconda’

    (Left) Thandiwe Newton in 'Rogue'. Photo: DirecTV. (Right) Steve Zahn in 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules'. Photo: 20th Century Fox.
    (Left) Thandiwe Newton in ‘Rogue’. Photo: DirecTV. (Right) Steve Zahn in ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

    Preview:

    • Thandiwe Newton and Steve Zahn are aboard the new ‘Anaconda.’
    • Jack Black and Paul Rudd are starring.
    • Directors Tom Gormican is rolling the cameras now.

    While the original is certainly funny intentionally in places, the 1997 giant snake thriller ‘Anaconda’ is mostly remembered for being ridiculous even when it tries to be horrific (and let’s be honest, a lot of that is due to Jon Voight’s leery schmuck).

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    Now, though, Sony’s Columbia arm has a new take on the concept, and this time the focus is firmly on the funny, with Jack Black and Paul Rudd aboard to star.

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, the cast has swelled to accommodate ‘Westworld’s Thandiwe Newton, ‘Silo’ actor Steve Zahn, Selton Mello of Oscar hopeful ‘I’m Still Here’ and ‘Beef’s Ione Skye.

    Related Article: Jack Black and Paul Rudd May Co-star in a New Version of Snake Thriller ‘Anaconda’

    What’s the story of ‘Anaconda’?

    Jennifer Lopez in 1997's 'Anaconda'. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.
    Jennifer Lopez in 1997’s ‘Anaconda’. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.

    The original movie starred Jennifer Lopez, Owen Wilson, Ice Cube and Voight, and followed a National Geographic film crew who is hunting for the world’s largest and deadliest snake, only to find the tables turned.

    As you might expect, there is a lot of giant snake action.

    That first outing didn’t strike critics well but grossed $136 million at the global box office and went on to quickly reach cult classic status.

    ‘Anaconda’ was followed by a series of films, including 2004’s ‘Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid’, which also did good theatrical business, before a plunge into schlock fare with two movies that aired on the Sci-Fi Channel in 2008 (starring David Hasselhoff) and 2009.

    The last outing was in 2015, when the horror franchise was paired with the crocodile-centric ‘Lake Placid’ series for a horror comedy titled simply, ‘Lake Placid vs. Anaconda,’ starring Yancy Butler and Robert Englund.

    What tone will the new ‘Anaconda’ take?

    1997's 'Anaconda'. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.
    1997’s ‘Anaconda’. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.

    As you might expect given the presence of Black and Rudd, the aim is for the new movie to go a more comedic route.

    Tom Gormican, who last brought us Nicolas Cage spoof ‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’, co-wrote the script with collaborator Kevin Etten and is now rolling the cameras in Australia to take advantage of tax breaks via the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy.

    The new story, according to The Hollywood Reporter’s sources, involves a group of friends facing mid-life crises who are remaking their favorite movie from their youth.

    They head to the rainforest, only to find themselves in a fight for their lives against natural disasters, giant snakes and violent criminals.

    Black will play an erstwhile director, a man stuck in his job as a wedding videographer, while Rudd will play an actor who did a stint on a cop show but sees his Hollywood dreams slipping further and further away.

    Newton and Zahn are other childhood friends that join the two on the ill-fated adventure, while Mello will play a Brazilian animal wrangler. Skye is playing Black’s wife.

    Where have I seen the new recruits?

    (L to R) Thandiwe Newton and Angela Sarafyan in 'Westworld'. Photo: HBO.
    (L to R) Thandiwe Newton and Angela Sarafyan in ‘Westworld’. Photo: HBO.

    British actor Newton has a wide variety of credits, including ‘Mission: Impossible II,’ ‘Crash,’ ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ and most recently, ‘Mufasa: The Lion King.’

    On the small screen, beyond her Emmy-winning turn on ‘Westworld,’ she’s been seen on ‘ER,’ ‘Line of Duty’ and ‘The Slap’ and is heard as Mona on Netflix series ‘Big Mouth.’ She’ll continue her association with the streaming service by showing up on ‘Wednesday’s second season this year.

    Zahn, meanwhile, is known for movies including ‘Out of Sight,’ ‘Joy Ride,’ ‘That Thing You Do!’ and, in recent years, ‘8-Bit Christmas’ and as Bad Ape in ‘War for the Planet of the Apes.’

    On TV, his credits include the first season of ‘The White Lotus,’ ‘The Righteous Gemstones,’ ‘Modern Family,’ ‘Tremé’ and the recent second season of Apple TV+ sci-fi series ‘Silo.’

    Skye, who got her big break in ‘Say Anything,’ has also been seen in ‘Fever Pitch’ and ‘Zodiac’ and on TV in ‘Beef,’ ‘La Brea,’ ‘Good Girls’ and ‘Arrested Development,’ among many others.

    Brazilian actor Mello is currently found starring opposite Fernanda Torres in Walter Salles’ political drama ‘I’m Still Here,’ which has been doing well this awards season.

    Working as an actor since childhood, he last year starred in another Brazilian movie, ‘Bury Your Dead,’ and is also a director, with one of his movies, ‘The Clown,’ serving as his country’s submission for the best foreign language film at the 2013 Oscars.

    When will the new ‘Anaconda’ slither on to screens?

    With Fully Formed, the company run by producers Brad Fuller and Andrew Form, producing the movie, it has now secured a December 25th release date. Happy Snake-mas!

    (L to R) Jennifer Lopez and Ice Cube in 1997's 'Anaconda'. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.
    (L to R) Jennifer Lopez and Ice Cube in 1997’s ‘Anaconda’. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.

    Other Movies in the ‘Anaconda’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘Anaconda’ Movies On Amazon

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  • Movie Review: ‘Megalopolis’

    Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina in 'Megalopolis'. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.
    Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina in ‘Megalopolis’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

    ‘Megalopolis’, the long-awaited new film from legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola (‘The Godfather’ and ‘Apocalypse Now’), finally opens in theaters on September 27th.

    The film stars an all-star cast that includes Adam Driver (‘Ferrari’), Giancarlo Esposito (‘The Mandalorian’), Nathalie Emmanuel (‘The Killer’), Aubrey Plaza (‘Emily the Criminal’), Shia LaBeouf (‘Honey Boy’), Talia Shire (‘Rocky’), Jason Schwartzman (‘Asteroid City’), Grace VanderWall (‘Stargirl’), Chloe Fineman (‘Saturday Night Live’), Laurence Fishburne (‘Slingshot’), and Academy Award winners Jon Voight (‘Reagan’), and Dustin Hoffman (‘Wag the Dog’).

    Related Article: Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and Adam Driver Discuss ‘Megalopolis’

    Initial Thoughts

    (L to R) Writer/Director Francis Ford Coppola and Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina on the set of 'Megalopolis'. Photo Credit: Phil Caruso.
    (L to R) Writer/Director Francis Ford Coppola and Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina on the set of ‘Megalopolis’. Photo Credit: Phil Caruso.

    ‘Megalopolis’ is the first film from Oscar-winning director Francis Ford Coppola in thirteen years and a project he has been developing since 1977. The result is an exhilarating and complex motion picture that pushes the boundaries of cinema while exploring class and the fragility of societies.

    Anchored by a fantastic ensemble of actors including Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Laurence Fishburne and Aubrey Plaza, Coppola experiments with story, visual effects and even live-theatrical components. However, this movie is not for everyone, and will have its fair share of critics due to its experimental nature and a somewhat confusing script. But if you ignore that, and just go for the wild cinematic ride Coppola has created, you will be in awe of the director’s latest masterpiece.

    Story and Direction

    Writer/Director Francis Ford Coppola on the set of 'Megalopolis'. Photo Credit: Phil Laruso.
    Writer/Director Francis Ford Coppola on the set of ‘Megalopolis’. Photo Credit: Phil Laruso.

    Combining the Catilinarian conspiracy with modern day New York, ‘Megalopolis’ is set in a decaying metropolis called New Rome. An Idealistic architect named Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver), who has the power to control space and time, seeks to demolish and rebuild the city into a sustainable utopia using a new material called “megalon”. Standing in his way is Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito), the Mayor of New Rome who is committed to a regressive status quo.

    Things get complicated for Cesar when he falls in love with Julia Cicero (Nathalie Emmanuel), the mayor’s daughter. Also, lurking in the shadows is Cesar’s cousin, Clodio (Shia LaBeouf), who along with his uncle Hamilton Crassus III (Jon Voight) and his new wife former TV journalist Wow Platinum (Aubrey Plaza), is plotting to destroy Cesar before he can build his new utopia.

    Aubrey Plaza as Wow Platinum in 'Megalopolis'. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.
    Aubrey Plaza as Wow Platinum in ‘Megalopolis’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

    Dense and complex, Coppola’s screenplay explores class warfare and how easily societies can fail. Mixing Roman mythology with what at times feels like a Shakespearian script, (Driver even recites the “To be, or not to be” speech from ‘Hamlet’ at one point), the story at times can seem convoluted but if that bothers you, then I think you are missing the point of Coppola’s film. And knowing how much of the script and story was found on the set by the actors through improvisation, to focus on the screenplay’s shortcomings is again, to miss the point of the movie entirely.

    Arguably one of the greatest filmmakers in the history of cinema after making ‘The Godfather’, ‘The Godfather II’, and ‘Apocalypse Now’, just to name a few, the true joy of ‘’Megalopolis’ is watching the master filmmaker experiment with the medium and create something unexpected and quite beautiful in its own way. Not only is Coppola experimenting with the themes of the movie, but he is also experimenting with filmmaking technologies he hasn’t used before like digital cameras, digital effects, and a fascinating live-theatrical stunt, unlike anything I’ve seen before in a movie theater, but more on that below.

    Live Theatrical Experience

    Grace Vanderwaal as Vesta Sweetwater in 'Megalopolis'. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.
    Grace Vanderwaal as Vesta Sweetwater in ‘Megalopolis’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

    Towards the end of the second act, there is a moment when Driver’s Cesar is participating in a press conference. At that exact moment, the lights in the theater go on, and a person from the audience (obviously a plant) walks up to a microphone close to the screen. Then, in character, the “actor” asks the on-screen Cesar a question as if they are the reporter in the scene themselves. At least in my screening, the timing worked perfectly, and Cesar seemingly answered the member of the audience.

    It’s obviously a constructed stunt, but I absolutely loved that Coppola decided to experiment in this way and it’s the moment when (faults and all) I really fell for this film. It’s a bold move, and one that I wish more filmmakers would take the risk to do. I’m not saying every movie should have a live component, but I would love to see more filmmakers play with the medium and experiment with techniques that are outside of the norm.

    A Misunderstood Masterpiece?

    Nathalie Emmanuel as Julia Cicero and Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina in 'Megalopolis'. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.
    Nathalie Emmanuel as Julia Cicero and Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina in ‘Megalopolis’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

    With the media seemingly wanting to see Coppola fail after rumors of production troubles, not to mention the experimental nature of the movie, reviews out of the film’s Cannes premiere have been mixed at best. But don’t listen to them, and don’t even listen to me, see the movie for yourself and make up your own mind! However, I would suggest seeing the film in IMAX, as it adds to Coppola’s vision and the overall experience of the movie.

    While it’s unfair to compare ‘’Megalopolis’ to Coppola’s past work, it is important to remember (as the fake quotes in the film’s first trailer point out), films like ‘Apocalypse Now’, ‘Bram Stoker’s Dracula’ and yes, even ‘The Godfather’, received some mixed reviews upon release and of course have gone on to be considered cinematic classics. That may or may not eventually happen with ‘’Megalopolis’, but it is certainly a bold and intriguing movie, which is in stark contrast to the standard sequels and superhero films that litter our local cinema.

    The Cast

    Nathalie Emmanuel as Julia Cicero in 'Megalopolis'. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.
    Nathalie Emmanuel as Julia Cicero in ‘Megalopolis’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

    While the true star of ‘’Megalopolis’ in my opinion is Francis Ford Coppola, he has assembled a remarkable cast of actors, young and old, and the film is certainly anchored by Adam Driver’s strong performance. Driver embodies the character with an intelligence and an aloofness that only the former Kylo Ren actor could supply.

    Veteran actor Giancarlo Esposito has finally become a household name thanks to his vast television work on hit shows like ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Boys’. This is Esposito’s first major role in a movie since his recent success, and while he once again plays the antagonist, the actor gives a very good performance.

    Shia LaBeouf as Clodio Pulcher in 'Megalopolis'. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.
    Shia LaBeouf as Clodio Pulcher in ‘Megalopolis’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

    While purposely over-the-top at times, Shia LaBeouf gives a commanding performance as the sinister Clodio, and Oscar-winner Jon Voight is at his best in years as Hamilton Crassus III. Also excellent in her role is Aubrey Plaza, perfectly cast as a Barbara Walters meets Megyn Kelly type journalist more concerned with moving up society’s later than reporting the truth. Other strong supporting performances come from Laurence Fishburne (the film’s narrator) and Grace VanderWaal as a Taylor Swift type entertainer.

    However, coming off an excellent performance in director John Woo’s remake of ‘The Killer’ is Nathalie Emmanuel, who is adequate as Julia, but has a hard time overcoming the shadows of the other heavyweights in the cast. Talia Shire (Coppola’s sister), Jason Schwartzman (Shire’s son and Coppola’s nephew), ‘Saturday Night Live’s Chloe Fineman and Oscar-winner Dustin Hoffman are all welcomed additions to the cast, but unfortunately are not given enough to do.

    Final Thoughts

    Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina in 'Megalopolis'. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.
    Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina in ‘Megalopolis’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

    In the end, you may like ‘Megalopolis’ or you may not, but it is worth seeing in a theater, if for nothing else to experience a once in a lifetime theatrical experience from one of the greatest directors of all time.

    ‘Megalopolis’ receives 9 out of 10 stars.

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    What is the plot of ‘’Megalopolis’?

    In a decaying metropolis called New Rome, Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver) is an idealist architect who is granted a license by the federal government to demolish and rebuild the city as a sustainable utopia using a new material, “megalon”, which can give him the power to control space and time. His nemesis, Mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito), remains committed to a regressive status quo. Torn between them is Franklyn’s socialite daughter and Cesar’s love interest Julia (Nathalie Emmanuel), who, tired of the influence she inherited, searches for her life’s meaning.

    Who is in the cast of ‘’Megalopolis’?

    • Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina
    • Giancarlo Esposito as Mayor Franklyn Cicero
    • Nathalie Emmanuel as Julia Cicero
    • Shia LaBeouf as Clodio Pulcher
    • Jon Voight as Hamilton Crassus III
    • Laurence Fishburne as Fundi Romaine
    • Talia Shire as Constance Crassus Catilina
    • Jason Schwartzman as Jason Zanderz
    • Kathryn Hunter as Teresa Cicero
    • Grace VanderWaal as Vesta Sweetwater
    • Chloe Fineman as Clodia Pulcher
    • James Remar as Charles Cothope
    • D. B. Sweeney as Commissioner Stanley Hart
    • Balthazar Getty as Aram Kazanjian
    • Dustin Hoffman as Nush Berman
    Francis Ford Coppola's 'Megalopolis' is scheduled for release on September 27, 2024.
    Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Megalopolis’ is scheduled for release on September 27, 2024.

    Francis Ford Coppola Movies:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Megalopolis’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Francis Ford Coppola Movies on Amazon

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  • ‘Megalopolis’ Interview: Francis Ford Coppola and Adam Driver

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    Opening in theaters on September 27th is the long-awaited new film from legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola (‘The Godfather’ and ‘Apocalypse Now’) entitled ‘Megalopolis’. It is the first film from the Oscar winning director in thirteen years and a project he has been developing since 1977.

    The film stars an all-star cast that includes Adam Driver (‘Ferrari’), Giancarlo Esposito (‘The Mandalorian’), Nathalie Emmanuel (‘The Killer’), Aubrey Plaza (‘Emily the Criminal’), Shia LaBeouf (‘Honey Boy’), Talia Shire (‘Rocky’), Jason Schwartzman (‘Asteroid City’), Grace VanderWall (‘Stargirl’), Chloe Fineman (‘Saturday Night Live’), Laurence Fishburne (‘Slingshot’), and Academy Award winners Jon Voight (‘Reagan’), and Dustin Hoffman (‘Wag the Dog’).

    (L to R) Director Francis Ford Coppola and Adam Driver talk 'Megalopolis'.
    (L to R) Director Francis Ford Coppola and Adam Driver talk ‘Megalopolis’.

    Related Article: Adam Driver Talks ‘Ferrari’ and Working with Director Michael Mann

    Moviefone recently had the honor of speaking with legendary writer and director Francis Ford Coppola and Adam Driver about their work on ‘Megalopolis’, Coppola’s passion and dedication to get it made, the live theatrical aspect of the film, how he utilized new technology, Driver’s approach to his character, improvisation, and what he learned from working with Coppola.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interview.

    Writer/Director Francis Ford Coppola on the set of 'Megalopolis'. Photo Credit: Phil Laruso.
    Writer/Director Francis Ford Coppola on the set of ‘Megalopolis’. Photo Credit: Phil Laruso.

    Moviefone: To begin with, Mr. Coppola, can you talk about the spark of the idea for this film that excited you and what kept you passionate and determined over all these decades to finally get this movie made?

    Francis Ford Coppola: When I started, I didn’t specifically start with this project. I just thought that since I had made so many films with different styles, I was curious what my style was. So, I just started to note down articles I read, or I had a collection I remember of political cartoons because cartoons tell a whole story in one image, and things I had read. After a while, I found that I was interested in the idea of doing a Roman epic because I had seen them as a kid, and I loved Roman epics. Then at one point, I read a particular Roman story about what was called the Catiline conspiracy. In that, it said that could happen in modern America because modern America has based itself on being Roman. That’s when it began to really take shape in this. Then I started to collect possibilities of what it might be like and how it might be done, and ultimately led to this incredible collaboration with my wonderful cast and with Adam and with the various people who supplied everything in the film, and we made ‘Megalopolis’ together.

    (L to R) Writer/Director Francis Ford Coppola and Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina on the set of 'Megalopolis'. Photo Credit: Phil Caruso.
    (L to R) Writer/Director Francis Ford Coppola and Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina on the set of ‘Megalopolis’. Photo Credit: Phil Caruso.

    MF: Adam, what was this experience like for you working with Mr. Coppola, and what did you learn about filmmaking from watching the specific way that he makes movies?

    Adam Driver: I think there’s maybe a misconception or an assumption that people make about directors that are like Francis that the atmosphere when you get on set is going to be very dictatorial, that it’s going to be “Do what I tell you to do”, or at least that’s just what the feedback that I get from people is, “Do you just say everything that he tells you to do?” That’s not actually what it’s like at all. He’s very disarming, which I guess should be no surprise because his movies feel that way. They all feel like everyone is pretty invested in what they’re doing because he gives you an incredible amount of trust, which it could easily have been the opposite of, “Move here because I said so, and I have a resume of films that have changed filmmaking as evidence that I know what I’m talking about”. That would’ve been a very compelling argument, but it’s the exact opposite. He makes you part of it because you have some authorship of it, you get obsessed with it and excited, and are invested and want to bring ideas to the table. Because he has such a, this is the understatement of the century, but an incredible film vocabulary that he is very good at picking the things that are in line with what he’s trying to make in an incredibly diplomatic way and discarding the things that aren’t what he needs. So, the thing I took from it is also, it felt like experimental theater in a way, where you can’t make a mistake, and setting an environment for people to feel comfortable to do whatever they wanted within the parameters. It is an experience that I didn’t have in film before, and I don’t think I’ll have again. Trying to take that to other films will be difficult.

    Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina in 'Megalopolis'. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.
    Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina in ‘Megalopolis’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

    MF: Mr. Coppola, there is a staged moment in the film where someone from the theater’s audience stands up and interacts with Adam’s character on-screen. Can you talk about the choice to include this unusual experimental theatrical experience and how you were able to execute it?

    FFC: Well, it’s interesting because the film didn’t have that scene at all in it, and it was Adam who said to me, “Remember we shot a sequence where the people asked questions. I miss that. I wish that were back in.” I said, “Well, let’s go find it and put it back in and see what you think,” and we did. Then we put it in, and I agreed with him that it was missing, and it was better with it. It wasn’t in it. It was his idea and we put it in, and then the only thing that happened is I thought, “Well, wouldn’t it be interesting if a real person brought the microphone over and put it there?” We tried it and it seemed to be exciting. I’m a guy who in a way still has one foot in theater and one foot in cinema and I haven’t forgotten my theatrical training as a kid. I love to combine the two, and that’s where that came from. We only had it because of this idea about actors and directors, I’ve heard it said, “Oh, that director got this great performance out of the actor.” Directors don’t get great performances out of actors. The actor does the performance. The director’s like a coach. He’s there to be able to say something helpful, hopefully at the right time, when the actor is trying to achieve something, just like a coach in a sports team says, “Why don’t you try thinking this?” If it helps, great. But the actor does the hard part, let’s face it. The director is there to just say the right thing at the right moment if you are lucky enough to have the right thing to say.

    Adam Driver and Nathalie Emmanuel in 'Megalopolis'.
    (L to R) Adam Driver and Nathalie Emmanuel in ‘Megalopolis’. Photo: Lionsgate.

    MF: Adam, I understand there was quite a bit of improvisation on the set. Can you talk about your approach to playing Cesar, and did the improv help you find the character on set?

    AD: There’s the version and what we had talked about. Francis told me some inspirations, not directly, but like Walter Gropius was somebody that we talked about. Robert Moses was another person, just to kind of get a sense. But what Francis was saying, he’s being a little modest. I think sometimes people say that idea, which sounds romantic, and in practice, never practice it, or they reserve it for press. But Francis really acts on his principles and everything that he’s describing is very rare, I think, to get that experience as an actor and to get the freedom to kind of come up with an idea and surprise yourself, and hopefully Francis. But he still is the one that’s making that happen, so you wouldn’t get that movie obviously, if Francis wasn’t kind of conducting all these kinds of wild personalities. So, it all kind of was found by the other actors that I’m acting with, the props, how (Cinematographer) Mihai (Mălaimare Jr.) was shooting it with Francis and all Francis’ direction. He kind of set up the rules. The first day of shooting was something really and I remember at one point, Francis said, “We’re not being brave enough,” and that was like, “Oh, that’s probably the best piece of direction I’ve ever been given,” and that set the tone for the rest of the film.

    Nathalie Emmanuel as Julia Cicero and Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina in 'Megalopolis'. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.
    Nathalie Emmanuel as Julia Cicero and Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina in ‘Megalopolis’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.

    MF: Finally, Mr. Coppola, obviously the tools used to make films has changed a lot since you began making movies with advances in digital cameras, visual effects, and editing software. Can you talk about how you were able to implement those new tools into your style of filmmaking?

    FFC: Well, I think Orson Wells once said that a lot of those aspects of movies, you can learn in a weekend. But fundamentally, the two main components of cinema are acting and writing. That’s not something you can learn over the weekend. I mean, you can’t have a great movie without wonderful acting. You need some kind of good writing. Everything else is you can take great liberties with and choose to use or not to use. Just because there’s some new development that is possibly revolutionary doesn’t mean you have to use it or must use it in the way they’re using it. We did use a technique that falls in that category, what’s known as the volume. It’s when they have this huge space and it’s a huge LED screen. But we used it a different way. We put the scene that we shot very high, and so if they’re walking along up there and fall, they’re going to fall 15 feet into a net, and so that the actors would be a little trepidatious about walking around too casually up there. He (Adam) wasn’t afraid of it, but Natalie (Emmanuel) was. When she walked, you could feel she didn’t want to fall. So, I mean, as I said, you can use things, but you don’t have to use them in the way that they were invented for.

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    What is the plot of ‘’Megalopolis’?

    In a decaying metropolis called New Rome, Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver) is an idealist architect who is granted a license by the federal government to demolish and rebuild the city as a sustainable utopia using a new material, “megalon”, which can give him the power to control space and time. His nemesis, Mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito), remains committed to a regressive status quo. Torn between them is Franklyn’s socialite daughter and Cesar’s love interest Julia (Nathalie Emmanuel), who, tired of the influence she inherited, searches for her life’s meaning.

    Who is in the cast of ‘’Megalopolis’?

    • Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina
    • Giancarlo Esposito as Mayor Franklyn Cicero
    • Nathalie Emmanuel as Julia Cicero
    • Shia LaBeouf as Clodio Pulcher
    • Jon Voight as Hamilton Crassus III
    • Laurence Fishburne as Fundi Romaine
    • Talia Shire as Constance Crassus Catilina
    • Jason Schwartzman as Jason Zanderz
    • Kathryn Hunter as Teresa Cicero
    • Grace VanderWaal as Vesta Sweetwater
    • Chloe Fineman as Clodia Pulcher
    • James Remar as Charles Cothope
    • D. B. Sweeney as Commissioner Stanley Hart
    • Balthazar Getty as Aram Kazanjian
    • Dustin Hoffman as Nush Berman
    Francis Ford Coppola's 'Megalopolis' is scheduled for release on September 27, 2024.
    Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Megalopolis’ is scheduled for release on September 27, 2024.

    Francis Ford Coppola Movies:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Megalopolis’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Francis Ford Coppola Movies on Amazon

     

  • ‘Reagan’ Interview: Dennis Quaid and Penelope Ann Miller

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    Opening in theaters on August 30th is the new biopic ‘Reagan’, which tells the life story of the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan.

    Directed by Sean McNamara (‘Soul Surfer’), the film stars Dennis Quaid (‘Any Given Sunday’) as Reagan, Penelope Ann Miller (‘Carlito’s Way’) as his wife Nancy, and Jon Voight (‘Heat’) as Viktor Ivanov.

    (L to R) Penelope Ann Miller and Dennis Quaid star in 'Reagan'.
    (L to R) Penelope Ann Miller and Dennis Quaid star in ‘Reagan’.

    Related Article: 20 Best Movies About American Presidents

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Dennis Quaid and Penelope Ann Miller about their work on ‘Reagan,’ approaching the iconic roles of Ron and Nancy, the love they shared, his Presidential accomplishments, and bringing this story to the big screen.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Quaid, Miller, and Jon Voight.

    Dennis Quaid in 'Reagan'. Photo: MJM Entertainment.
    Dennis Quaid in ‘Reagan’. Photo: MJM Entertainment.

    Moviefone: To begin with, Dennis, you have portrayed real people on screen in the past, but what was your approach to playing someone as iconic as President Reagan?

    Dennis Quaid: Well, with all real people, I want to play them from their point of view, which with Reagan was very hard to get to. For one thing, he wasn’t around for me to ask him all the penetrating questions that I’m not sure he’d answer anyway. But he was a great communicator. Everybody I talked to said there was this private wall inside of Reagan, that was almost impenetrable, that I think Nancy got a glimpse into. So, it was figuring out what that was that was key to me, because I didn’t want to do an impression, an impersonation, or a love letter, because he was my favorite president. I wanted to play him warts and all.

    (Left) Penelope Ann Miller in 'Reagan'. Photo: MJM Entertainment.
    (Left) Penelope Ann Miller in ‘Reagan’. Photo: MJM Entertainment.

    MF: Penelope, can you talk about your approach to playing the First Lady and how she truly loved, supported, and protected her husband?

    Penelope Anne Miller: I mean, in essence, that really was, I guess, what she felt her purpose was, was to be there for her husband, who she was fiercely devoted to, fiercely protective of, and had an incredible belief in. It was a great love story really. I think reading her autobiography, I got more of a sense of who she was as a human being, which I in turn didn’t want to do some characterization of somebody. I really wanted to capture, embody the essence of the person, sort of somewhat channel her. But honestly, the wigs helped, the wardrobe, all of that helped me carry her in a way that I wouldn’t have without all the incredible creative team behind us and the writing and the direction and then playing opposite Dennis. I think we had a great rapport and worked well together. We have very similar styles of working.

    (L to R) Penelope Ann Miller and Dennis Quaid in 'Reagan'. Photo: MJM Entertainment.
    (L to R) Penelope Ann Miller and Dennis Quaid in ‘Reagan’. Photo: MJM Entertainment.

    MF: Dennis, how would you describe Ron and Nancy’s relationship?

    DQ: The heart of the movie is a love story, really, and in that it just shows, a great, strong relationship that brings out your best self. There would not have been a President Reagan without Nancy, that’s for sure. That’s what (Penelope) did. She did channel her. It was easy working with her. It just made my job so much easier.

    Dennis Quaid in 'Reagan'. Photo: MJM Entertainment.
    Dennis Quaid in ‘Reagan’. Photo: MJM Entertainment.

    MF: Dennis, before becoming President, Ronald Reagan was an actor and there was a performative aspect to his famous speeches. Can you talk about recreating some of those speeches for this movie and did you incorporate that into your performance?

    DQ: He himself said that the greatest role he ever played was President the United States. He knew how to play that well. They called him the Great Communicator. He could disarm people. He always opened with a joke. He could disarm people, from Gorbachev to Nancy. Man, as far as America goes, he was the epitome of an American president. It’s about us in a way. It’s about all of us. A president’s a reflection of people that elected him. It is about us back then. You see it, depending on your age, you’ll see what this country was like, and what it still can be.

    (L to R) Dennis Quaid and Penelope Ann Miller in 'Reagan'. Photo: MJM Entertainment.
    (L to R) Dennis Quaid and Penelope Ann Miller in ‘Reagan’. Photo: MJM Entertainment.

    MF: Finally, can you both talk about shooting the scene in the hospital between Ron and Nancy after the assassination attempt on the President’s life?

    PAM: He made jokes after his assassination when he was in the hospital to the doctors and even to Nancy when he woke up. I mean, just the fact that he was able to charm people and that he always wanted to disarm people, make people feel welcome and warm and engage with them.

    DQ: Here he is, he’s on the operating table and already they put the anesthesia on him and he’s already asleep, but he woke up just as they’re getting ready to make the incision, with a bullet like an inch from his heart. He woke up and he saw these doctors above him, and he goes, “I hope you’re all Republicans.”

    PAM: In turn, they said, “We are today, sir. We are today.” It was very sweet. But, I mean the movie I think shows a lot of things that you wouldn’t have seen. Obviously, there’s the public personas, but then there’s the behind the scenes and I think that’s what makes it interesting to watch. I want to see what I didn’t know. It’s not some history lesson or political drama. It’s really a biopic about human beings, mainly Ronald, but also their love story as well and what made these people become who they became and very iconic.

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    What is the plot of ‘Reagan’?

    The film follows Ronald Reagan’s (Dennis Quaid) life from his childhood to his years as president of the United States, told by Viktor Ivanov (Jon Voight), a former KGB agent.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Reagan’?

    Dennis Quaid in 'Reagan'. Photo: MJM Entertainment.
    Dennis Quaid in ‘Reagan’. Photo: MJM Entertainment.

    Other Biopics about American Presidents:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Reagan’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Dennis Quaid Movies On Amazon

     

  • Jack Black and Paul Rudd in Early Talks for New ‘Anaconda’

    (Left) Paul Rudd as Ben in season 3 of 'Only Murders in the Building.' Photo by: Patrick Harbron/Hulu. (Right) Actor Jack Black performs at the live ABC Telecast of The 87th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Photo: Michael Yada / ©A.M.P.A.S.
    (Left) Paul Rudd as Ben in season 3 of ‘Only Murders in the Building.’ Photo by: Patrick Harbron/Hulu. (Right) Actor Jack Black performs at the live ABC Telecast of The 87th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Photo: Michael Yada / ©A.M.P.A.S.

    Preview:

    • Jack Black and Paul Rudd may star in a new version of ‘Anaconda’.
    • Jennifer Lopez and Jon Voight headlined the 1997 original.
    • Tom Gormican is attached to direct the new movie.

    Movie studios love dipping into their archives to find old titles they can slap some remake/re-imagining/legacy sequel paint onto and push into theaters to earn some fresh cash.

    Sony is doing just that, having kicked off development of a new take on 1997’s ‘Anaconda,’ which, as you can guess, focused on a snake. In this case, a massive snake.

    Development has been underway on the new version and, according to rumor-carrying Twitter feed MyTimeToShineHello (with a confirmation and some extra details via The Hollywood Reporter), Jack Black and Paul Rudd are in talks to co-star in the movie.

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    What’s the story of ‘Anaconda’?

    Jennifer Lopez in 1997's 'Anaconda'. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.
    Jennifer Lopez in 1997’s ‘Anaconda’. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.

    The original movie starred Jennifer Lopez, Owen Wilson, Ice Cube and Jon Voight, and followed a National Geographic film crew who is hunting for the world’s largest and deadliest snake, only to find the tables turned.

    As you might expect, there is a lot of giant snake action.

    That first outing didn’t strike critics well but grossed $136 million at the global box office and went on to quickly reach cult classic status.

    ‘Anaconda’ was followed by a series of films, including 2004’s ‘Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid’, which also did good theatrical business, before a plunge into schlock fare with two movies that aired on the Sci-Fi Channel in 2008 (starring David Hasselhoff) and 2009.

    The last outing was in 2015, when the horror franchise was paired with the crocodile-centric ‘Lake Placid’ series for a horror comedy titled simply, ‘Lake Placid vs. Anaconda,’ starring Yancy Butler and Robert Englund.

    What tone will the new ‘Anaconda’ take?

    (L to R) Jennifer Lopez and Ice Cube in 1997's 'Anaconda'. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.
    (L to R) Jennifer Lopez and Ice Cube in 1997’s ‘Anaconda’. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.

    As you might expect given the presence of Black and Rudd, the aim is for the new movie to go a more comedic route.

    Tom Gormican, who last brought us Nicolas Cage spoof ‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’, is apparently co-writing the script with collaborator Kevin Etten and will direct.

    The Reporter’s sources are pointing to the new story involving a group of friends facing mid-life crises who are remaking their favorite movie from their youth. They head to the rainforest, only to find themselves in a fight for their lives against natural disasters, giant snakes and violent criminals.

    But the details are foggier when it comes to the roles that the new actors are considering. There are competing accounts: one has Black playing an erstwhile director, a man stuck in his job as a wedding videographer, while Rudd is an actor who did a stint on a cop show but sees his Hollywood dreams slipping further and further away. It might, however, be the other way round.

    Related Article: Jack Black is Joining Jason Momoa in the Cast of the ‘Minecraft’ Movie

    When will the new ‘Anaconda’ slither on to screens?

    With the movie still in development, and key deals yet to seal, Sony isn’t releasing any details on when it might see theaters.

    1997's 'Anaconda'. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.
    1997’s ‘Anaconda’. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.

    Other Movies in the ‘Anaconda’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘Anaconda’ Movies On Amazon

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  • ‘Megalopolis’ Lands U.S. Distribution with Lionsgate

    Francis Ford Coppola's 'Megalopolis' is scheduled for release on September 27, 2024.
    Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Megalopolis’ is scheduled for release on September 27, 2024.

    Preview:

    • Francis Ford Coppola has made a deal with Lionsgate to release ‘Megalopolis’.
    • The filmmaker’s passion project stars Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito and Nathalie Emmanuel.
    • Coppola poured millions of his own money into making the movie.

    Given how much time and money Francis Ford Coppola had poured into making his latest passion project, the epic known as ‘Megalopolis’, things were looking a little grim.

    Coppola, the man behind movies such as ‘The Godfather’ trilogy and ‘Apocalypse Now’ had been looking to bring ‘Megalopolis’ to life for years but hadn’t found anyone to invest fully.

    So the filmmaker went ahead and sold a chunk of his vineyard business to drum up the cash himself, tracking down a cast and getting under way.

    Then came reports of trouble on set, with effects issues and even accusations of inappropriate behavior by the director (an issue which has yet to be settled either way).

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    Finally, Coppola finished the film and screened it for potential distributors in Los Angeles, to reportedly zero interest. He scored a slot at Cannes and that has sparked wildly divisive reviews, many calling out its gonzo storytelling and performances.

    Yet after the festival screening, there has been a big turnaround in the movie’s fortunes, Coppola securing a raft of international distribution deals across the world.

    And today brings word that Lionsgate has scored a deal to distribute the movie here in the States, and to handle its home entertainment release.

    What’s the story of ‘Megalopolis’?

    Adam Driver and Nathalie Emmanuel in 'Megalopolis'.
    (L to R) Adam Driver and Nathalie Emmanuel in ‘Megalopolis’. Photo: Lionsgate.

    The fate of Rome haunts a modern world (and a city that’s essentially an alternate New York) unable to solve its own social problems in this epic story of political ambition, genius, and conflicting interests.

    ‘Megalopolis’ essential clash is between Cesar (Adam Driver), a genius artist who seeks to leap into a utopian, idealistic future, and his opposition, Mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito), who remains committed to a regressive status quo, perpetuating greed, special interests, and partisan warfare.

    Caught between the two? Franklyn’s socialite daughter and Cesar’s love interest, Julia (Nathalie Emmanuel), who, tired of the influence she inherited, searches for her life’s meaning.

    Who else is in ‘Megalopolis’?

    Jon Voight as Byrne in 'The Painter.'
    Jon Voight as Byrne in ‘The Painter.’ Photo: Republic Pictures.

    Coppola has rounded up quite the ensemble for this one. Surrounding the three leads are Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, Talia Shire, Jason Schwartzman, Kathryn Hunter, Grace VanderWaal, Chloe Fineman, James Remar, D. B. Sweeney, Isabelle Kusman, Bailey Ives, Madeleine Gardella and Dustin Hoffman.

    Related Article: Oscar-winner Jon Voight Talks ‘Mercy’ and ‘Megalopolis’

    ‘Megalopolis’ Domestic Release: Coppola Speaks

    Director Frances Ford Coppola at the 50th Anniversary of 'The Godfather' event and historic street naming ceremony the Paramount Theater in Hollywood, CA on February 22nd, 2022. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures.
    Director Frances Ford Coppola at the 50th Anniversary of ‘The Godfather’ event and historic street naming ceremony the Paramount Theater in Hollywood, CA on February 22nd, 2022. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures.

    Here’s the statement the director released about the new deal:

    “One rule of business I’ve always followed and prioritized (to my benefit) is to continue working with companies and teams who over time have proven to be good friends as well as great collaborators. This is why I am thrilled to have Adam Fogelson and Lionsgate Studios release ‘Megalopolis’. I am confident they will apply the same tender love and care given to ‘Apocalypse Now’, which is currently in its 45th year of astounding revenue and appreciation.”

    And here’s Lionsgate boss Adam Fogelson’s comment:

    “Francis is a legend. For many of us, his gifts to cinema were one of the inspirations to devote our own careers to film. It is a true privilege to work with him, and to bring this incredible, audacious, and utterly unique movie to theatrical audiences. At Lionsgate, we strive to be a home for bold and daring artists, and ‘Megalopolis’ proves there is no one more bold or daring than the maestro, Francis Ford Coppola.”

    When will ‘Megalopolis’ be in a theater near me?

    Lionsgate has set a September 27th release date for the movie.

    Al Pacino, Francis Ford Coppola and Robert De Niro
    Al Pacino, Francis Ford Coppola and Robert De Niro onstage during the 50th anniversary tribute of “The Godfather” at the live ABC telecast of the 94th Oscars® at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, CA, on Sunday, March 27, 2022.

    Other Francis Ford Coppola Movies:

    Buy Francis Ford Coppola Movies on Amazon

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  • Guy Ritchie to Oversee ‘Ray Donovan’ Spin-Off ‘The Donovans’

    Liev Schreiber as Raymond "Ray" Donovan in 'Ray Donovan.'
    Liev Schreiber as Raymond “Ray” Donovan in ‘Ray Donovan.’ Photo: Showtime.

    Preview:

    • Guy Ritchie is aboard a ‘Ray Donovan’ spin-off series.
    • The new series will be loosely based on the Live Schreiber show.
    • ‘Top Boy’ creator Ronan Bennett will write all initial 10 episodes.

    Though it will only launch on Netflix next week, Guy Ritchie’s series ‘The Gentleman’, which the writer/director created based on his 2019 gangster crime comedy, is clearly impressing people.

    That includes Paramount, which is looking to the filmmaker to lead the creative team on a new series that loosely adapts Liev Schreiber drama ‘Ray Donovan’, which began on Showtime in 2013, ran for seven seasons and was finished via TV movie ‘Ray Donovan: The Movie’ in 2022.

    Ritchie will be the main director and executive producer on the new series, which has been written by ‘Top Boy’ creator Ronan Bennett.

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    What was ‘Ray Donovan’ about?

    Liev Schreiber as Raymond "Ray" Donovan in 'Ray Donovan.'
    Liev Schreiber as Raymond “Ray” Donovan in ‘Ray Donovan.’ Photo: Jeff Neumann/Showtime.

    Created by Ann Biderman, the original series starred Schreiber as the title character, a tough nut fixer in the sprawling mecca of the rich and famous. Ray does the dirty work for LA’s top power players as the go-to guy who makes the problems of the city’s celebrities, superstar athletes, and business moguls disappear.

    But the problems he can’t solve are his own and his family’s, especially when his violent father Mickey (Jon Voight) is released from prison. The show also starred Eddie Marsan, Dash Mihok and Kerris Dorsey.

    Related Article: TV Review: ‘The Gentlemen’ 

    What’s the story of ‘The Donovans’?

    Guy Ritchie on the set of 'The Gentlemen.'
    Guy Ritchie on the set of ‘The Gentlemen.’ Photo: Kevin Baker/Netflix. Copyright: © 2023, Netflix Inc.

    From the sounds of it, the new series will be along the lines of ‘The Gentlemen’ in connective tissue to the source material, i.e. taking place in a similar world, but not featuring the same characters.

    In fact the new show –– which has Bennett scripting the first season of 10 episodes –– will relocate the idea to the UK.

    Here’s the official synopsis:

    “With the most powerful clients in Europe, ‘The Donovans’ will see family fortunes and reputations at risk, odd alliances unfold, and betrayal around every corner. And while the family might be London’s most elite fixers today, the nature of their business means there is no guarantee what’s in store tomorrow.”

    This is what Bennett had to say about the new project:

    “We’re going to deliver a show which provides massive thrills, entertainment and a huge rush of adrenaline for audiences around the world. At the same time, I’m totally focused on exploring real characters, in body and in soul, and I’m committed to writing stories with deep dramatic impact. We’re going to get under the skin of the criminal underworld, in a way which will show you the bone-deep truths of how they live and how it sometimes will — inevitably — impact on our own lives.”

    When will ‘The Donovans’ be on screens?

    The most surprising part of this story is that the show will apparently be ready to launch on Paramount+ with Showtime later this year.

    Which means Ritchie has a film (‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’, on screens in April) and two TV series all out in the same year. Presumably he has given up on the concept of sleep…

    Liev Schreiber as Raymond "Ray" Donovan in 'Ray Donovan.'
    Liev Schreiber as Raymond “Ray” Donovan in ‘Ray Donovan.’ Photo: Showtime.

    Other Guy Ritchie Movies:

    Buy Guy Ritchie Movies On Amazon

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  • ‘The Painter’ Exclusive Interview: Jon Voight

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    Opening in theaters in limited release on January 5th before being available to buy on digital January 9th is the new action thriller ‘The Painter,’ which was directed by former stunt coordinator Kimani Ray Smith and stars Charlie Weber (‘As They Made Us,’ ‘How to Get Away with Murder’), Madison Baily (‘Outer Banks’) and Oscar winner Jon Voight (‘Heat,’ ‘Mission: Impossible,’ ‘Transformers’).

    Jon Voight as Byrne in 'The Painter.'
    Jon Voight as Byrne in ‘The Painter.’ Photo: Republic Pictures.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Academy Award winner Jon Voight about his work on ‘The Painter,’ why he wanted to be part of the project, his approach to his character, working with Charlie Weber and Madison Baily, and collaborating with director Kimani Ray Smith on set, as well as looking back at his work on Michael Mann’s modern classic ‘Heat’ and the possibility of him appearing in the upcoming sequel.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with both Voight and Charlie Weber.

    Jon Voight stars in 'The Painter.'
    Jon Voight stars in ‘The Painter.’

    Moviefone: To begin with, can you talk about your first reaction to the screenplay and specifically what you are looking for when you are choosing projects?

    Jon Voight: Well, I must consider that this is what I look like now. I’ve gotten older, and so I’m limited in some way to those characters, but they usually give me something that has some gravitas. They think that that’s what I am. It depends on the character for me. But the thing that I look for is a good story, a good tale, a beginning, middle, and end that I think is fun for people to go through. So, they have something at the end of the piece that they feel they’ve spent their time wisely and they’ve been thrilled or excited or moved or whatever it is during it. So that’s the number one. It was a good tale and very interesting with its twists and turns, and it gives the audiences a lot of fun, I think, in the process, and that’s why I did it.

    MF: How would you describe your character, Byrne, and your approach to playing him?

    JV: Well, he’s a guy who was a very high up in the CIA and has kind of retired as we see him. But during his time, he kind of adopted a kid who went through a very dangerous time, and he raised him. That’s the role of the Painter. “The Painter” has two meanings in this piece. One is as a painter because his pastime is painting, and he tries to get away from the dangers of the CIA aspect of his life. Then on the other hand, he is an artist around actual violence and all of that. So, he’s an amazing master of his talent and grade. So, we want him to get back into it because we know he’s okay. If he’s so great, let’s see. We see it and we see how amazing he is. Charlie did a great job with it. Just an amazing job.

    Charlie Weber as Peter in 'The Painter.'
    Charlie Weber as Peter in ‘The Painter.’ Photo: Republic Pictures.

    MF: What was your experience like working with Charlie Weber?

    JV: Well, Charlie and I, we got to know each other during this piece. I didn’t know Charlie before that. Of course, Charlie’s a very affable good guy and very talented. The guys who have these series, they’re real pros. Anyone who’s in a series for a long time and develops a character that audiences like, they’re real. So, I knew he was going to be professional and gifted, and all of that. Then I didn’t know whether he’d be able to fulfill the demands of the action because you don’t know that. You don’t know how athletic somebody is, and he’s extraordinarily athletic. He really is wonderful. So, working with Kimani, who was the director and was a stunt coordinator, they came up with some amazing stuff and very detailed and difficult stuff, and he was great at that. He learned it down to every detail. That’s of course, very important because if you miss a movement in a series of movements and people are throwing punches at you and different kinds of things, you’re supposed to respond to certain things, and boy, you can get hurt. So, you must be very good at that, and he just happens to be very good at that.

    MF: Can you talk about the complex relationship your two characters have together and creating that with Charlie?

    JV: Well, that came very naturally to us. For whatever reason, he had a great respect for me, and I had an affection for him. So, we kind of fell into that. That’s what happens in a film. You read the script and you’re preparing yourself, and then you meet the other character and you’re naturally falling into that relationship. You’re pressing those buttons. So, it wasn’t difficult for me to believe the things we had to go through together.

    Madison Bailey as Sophia in 'The Painter.'
    Madison Bailey as Sophia in ‘The Painter.’ Photo: Republic Pictures.

    MF: Did you have a similar experience working with Madison Bailey?

    JV: Well, I had heard a lot about Madison, all very positive, glowing reports of her talent and her person. When I met her, that’s what I felt immediately, and that’s what I was primed to feel too. But she’s very impressive. I really liked working with Madison very much. She’s very real and she has a maturity about her as a person. She’s still young and fresh, but she’s got a maturity in her artistry. She’s real. She’s the real deal.

    MF: At this point in your career, do you enjoy having a chance to meet and work with a new generation of actors?

    JV: Yeah, wonderful, of course it is. But I identify with them. I understand what they’re going through. I’ve been there. When I started out, I remember vividly every step of the way, and I can see where they are. I’m always impressed. I think everybody’s got something, everybody. In this area, you must have certain kinds of things that make you right for this. Then certain things that make you right for a specific character. Casting is everything, really. When you see somebody like Madison, she has a natural charm. She’s intelligent, and she’s got that dramatic understanding. She’s the real deal. So, you look, and it doesn’t take you five seconds to see what she’s all about. I was very happy to work with her, and she’s really nice. What a nice gal she is.

    Charlie Weber as Peter and Jon Voight as Byrne in 'The Painter.'
    (L to R) Charlie Weber as Peter and Jon Voight as Byrne in ‘The Painter.’ Photo: Republic Pictures.

    MF: What was it like collaborating with former stunt coordinator Kimani Ray Smith on an action movie like this, and in general, what are you looking for from a director when working on set?

    JV: Every director that I’ve worked with is very different, one from the other, but they all must have the same kind of talent, just like actors do. Kimani is a very affable guy, nice fellow, down to earth, good guy, smart, used to leadership because he’s a stunt coordinator and people do what he tells them to do. He must come up with things. He’s imaginative, and he’s creative. Stephen Paul, who produced this film, and when I say produced, he produced almost every aspect of it. He said to me, he said, “John, Kimani has a gift for story. He understands story.” So not only does he understand the moment of the stunt that he’s in, and you must understand a lot to understand stunts, and you must protect these guys in some way, too. Then you must do something creative that nobody has done yet. So, you’re putting somebody in danger right way. Also, if he has a story sense, that’s another energy. That means he’s capable of directing. I’ve found that to be true. He understands the story, where it’s going, and especially in this case where there’s a lot of different little elements to the story. The control of it is in the director’s hands. He’s telling a story that’s very complex, and what you see on the screen is not necessarily what is going to appear to you several scenes later. So, he’s got to orchestrate this whole thing. He was very good at it. He turned out to be terrific.

    Al Pacino as Lieutenant Vincent Hanna and Robert De Niro as Neil McCauley in 'Heat.'
    (L to R) Al Pacino as Lieutenant Vincent Hanna and Robert De Niro as Neil McCauley in ‘Heat.’ Photo: Warner Bros.

    MF: Finally, you appeared in one of the most beloved movies of all time, Michael Mann’s ‘Heat.’ Last year Mann published a novel that was both a sequel and a prequel to the original film and has talked about adapting it into a movie with Adam Driver playing a younger version of Robert De Niro’s character in flashbacks and even possibly having Al Pacino return. Since your character is one of the few that survived the original, I’m curious if you are aware of the novel and if you have had any discussions with Mann about possibly returning for ‘Heat 2?’

    JV: I really enjoyed working on that film, and Michael and I had become friends prior. I’ve only done two films with Michael. I did ‘Heat’ and then I did ‘Ali’ and I played Howard Cosell. After he’d worked with me on ‘Heat,’ he called me up for Howard Cosell. That was like a crazy idea, but it turned out to be a very brilliant idea. I was the right person for that role. But anyway, I enjoy Michael. He’s a completely original guy, very demanding, and very brilliant. So, he asked me to do ‘Heat,’ and I said to him, “I read the script, and you can go down to the barrio and you can pick up a guy who’s the real guy and he’ll be terrific in this role,” because the role, it needed a presence. That’s mainly what it needed. There weren’t any tricks to it. You just had to have that. He said to me, “Well, John, if I do that, then I wouldn’t get a chance to work with you.” Wow, well, you got to accept that kind of love and where that’s coming. But anyway, I said, “I’m going to have to change myself entirely to be this character.” He said, “Yeah, we’ll do it.” He was great with me, and I did. I found a person named Kenny Diaz, who was from the barrio. Not that my character’s from the barrio, but he was a roughneck, and Kenny came from there. He really knew this area. We worked on this stuff to give my face some character. I’ve got some padding, and I worked very hard on the character. I think when I finally did it, I think I did achieve what was required and what I set out to do. I was very pleased with it. Do I know about Michael Mann’s book? Yes. I looked at the book and Michael did tell me, he said, “John, we’re going to do ‘Heat 2.’” I haven’t heard anything recently, but I think it might be his next film, but we don’t know. I don’t know yet. But anyway, ‘Heat,’ it was a great film. It was a great film for people. They enjoyed that journey. The two great actors, Al and Bobby, I mean, it just worked. All the actors in that piece were special. Michael’s quite brilliant at that. He casts very carefully. He’s an original mind and he put together an extraordinary movie. People love that movie.

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    What is the Plot of ‘The Painter’?

    An ex-CIA operative turned painter (Charlie Weber) is thrown back into a dangerous world when a mysterious woman (Madison Bailey) from his past resurfaces. Now exposed and targeted by a relentless killer and a rogue black ops program, he must rely on skills he thought he left behind in a high-stakes game of survival.

    Who is in the cast of ‘The Painter’?

    Charlie Weber as Peter in 'The Painter.'
    Charlie Weber as Peter in ‘The Painter.’ Photo: Republic Pictures.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘The Painter:’

    Buy Jon Voight Movies On Amazon

  • ‘Mercy’ Interview: Jon Voight Talks New Action Thriller

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    Opening in select theaters on May 12th and on digital May 19th is the new action thriller ‘Mercy,’ from director Tony Dean Smith (‘Summerhood’).

    What is the plot of ‘Mercy?’

    ‘Mercy’ tells the story of an ex-military doctor named Michelle (Leah Gibson), who finds herself in a deadly battle for survival when the Irish mafia family, the Quinns (Jon Voight and Jonathan Rhys Meyers), seize control of the hospital at which she works. When her son (Anthony Bolognese) is taken hostage, she is forced to rely upon her battle-hardened past and lethal skills after realizing there’s no one left to save the day but her.

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    Who is in the cast of ‘Mercy?’

    ‘Mercy’ stars Leah Gibson (‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’) as Michelle, Jonathan Rhys Meyers (‘Mission: Impossible III’) as Sean Quinn, Oscar-winner Jon Voight (‘Heat,’ ‘Mission: Impossible,’ ‘Transformers’) as Patrick Quinn, Sebastian Roberts as Ellis, Anthony Konechny as Ryan Quinn, Patrick Roccas as Johnno, Anthony Bolognese as Bobby, Bradley Stryker as Mick, Caitlin Stryker as Agent Cruz, Mark Masterton as Danny, Ryan Russell as Nurse Kevin, Bobby Stewart as Dr. Terrence, and Marc-Anthony Massiah as Frank.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Oscar-winner Jon Voight about his work on ‘Mercy,’ what he brings to a project, performing violent scenes, performing with an Irish accent, his character’s relationship with his sons, working with Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Leah Gibson, collaborating with director Tony Dean Smith, and his work on acclaimed filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola’s upcoming ‘Megalopolis.’

    Jon Voight as Patrick Quinn in 'Mercy.'
    Jon Voight as Patrick Quinn in ‘Mercy.’

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch the interview.

    Moviefone: To begin with, Patrick Quinn is a great character for you to play, did you recognize that when you first read the script and what were some of the aspects of the character you were excited to explore in this film?

    Jon Voight: I think because I’ve gotten to a certain age, people are coming to me with roles that are suitable, and that I have to play a patriarch of this kind, even though he is a very negative kind of character or comes from that culture. But it was exciting to me in a certain sense, it seemed like a good opportunity to express many things. An opportunity to work with Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who I think is a sensational actor, and a great talent. Then we introduced this wonderful gal Leah Gibson too. So I was excited to work on this piece. I thought I could help it. When I came into it, I said, “Well, I think I can do something with this thing.”

    MF: Can you expand on that idea? Are there certain projects that you are offered that you feel like your presence in the movie can help elevate the film?

    JV: Well, I think I’m very collaborative with the directors and producers to do something that has a meaning for me. I thought that I could enrich the family dilemma and not make it so black and white in a certain sense. These people are human, you want to find out what their humanity is and see what their thinking is. So you are really getting to know these people, and when we get to know people, you root for them a little bit. You hope they can pull things off. Then you see somebody who’s going way off the road like Jonathan’s character, my son Sean, in the picture. Yet he’s very exciting because he’s so brilliant at this kind of negativity, this character. He can bring it forth, he can scare you, and that’s what he does in this film. He’s really a brilliant actor and this is a role very suitable for him. So we had things that we could do and then I was able to, I think, add something to it as well.

    Jon Voight as Patrick Quinn in 'Mercy.'
    Jon Voight as Patrick Quinn in ‘Mercy.’

    Related Article: Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel and Forest Whittaker will Lead ‘Megalopolis’

    MF: I loved the Irish accent that your character has in the movie. Was that already in your actor’s bag of tricks or did you work with a vocal coach to get it right?

    JV: No. We worked with people. They have people who work with accents, and the young woman that worked on it with us, I found to be excellent. She was able to work with all of the people in our group, which was a team of this family of criminals. She got us all up to a certain level. But we were working with Jonathan Rhys Myers, who’s from County Cork, and knows those accents. He can do any kind of accent, and we had to be authentic next to him, which was a big challenge. But he was always encouraging and helpful.

    MF: You have a particularly violent scene where your character is threatening another member of his crew. Was it fun to shoot that sequence and act really menacing in that moment?

    JV: Yeah, it was fun, actually. But I mean, I said, “We have to have this in the picture.” I said, “Because you have to know who he is. He has to be dangerous. You have to see why he’s the head of this group.” Do you see what I mean? And he establishes that in that one gesture. So then you say, “Oh, this guy, there’s a reason why he’s the head of this wild group.”

    Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Sean Quinn in 'Mercy.'
    Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Sean Quinn in ‘Mercy.’

    MF: Do you look for moments like that when you’re reading a script, a moment that really explains who the character is very clearly for the audience?

    JV: Well, it’s in the storytelling of things, yes. It’s very important that people know who he is. That’s a seminal moment. That’s a step, “Boom, there he is, like that.” He can go like that. He can turn and, “Boom, he’s dangerous.” Of course, in order to run a mob, you have to be that dangerous. You have to have that kind of capacity to scare the hell out of everybody else. To say, “Well, you play games with me and it’s going to be a certain kind of violent ending.” That kind of thing. That was an important moment, actually. But the other thing is that each of the young men in it who played my team, the muscle in that piece, they did a great job. They worked hard on it, and they did their accents beautifully, but they really cared about it. They’re nice little pieces of that film that are given over to these cameos, and I really thought the cast came up to the challenge.

    Jon Voight as Patrick Quinn and Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Sean Quinn in 'Mercy.'
    (L to R) Jon Voight as Patrick Quinn and Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Sean Quinn in ‘Mercy.’

    MF: Patrick has two sons, Sean and Ryan, and he clearly favors Ryan over Sean. Can you talk about that family dynamic and how it is the catalyst for what happens at the hospital?

    JV: Well, he has two sons in the picture, and he’s a fellow that came from Ireland as an alien to this country and found a home here at one point. He came from a violent background in Ireland, but he really was concerned about his older child, Sean. He was concerned about this child because he was going in the wrong way. That’s really something because he’s from a family that’s equated with some violence too. But he was going off the deep end, getting involved with terrorists, alcohol and all this stuff. So he came to this country, came to the States to actually change the direction of his son, and his other son, Ryan caught the idea and was on his way to a healthy life apart from the family and was encouraged by his father. But Sean went the other way and became a destructive factor. That’s what we see in the film, a man dealing with a son that’s dangerous to himself and to others. I think it’s an interesting dilemma. So you feel for the father that he’s lost his son to this, and that becomes a richer part of the film. I was excited to explore that dimension and to work with this great actor, Jonathan Rhys Myers, and of course Leah Gibson, who plays the American military hero of the picture, and is a considerable actor and a very new face.

    MF: Did you know Jonathan Rhys Meyers before making this movie, and what was it like working with him on ‘Mercy?’

    JV: I had made one film with Jonathan, and we both liked each other so much. We were so appreciative of each other’s talent. Steven Paul, the producer of this film, had worked on the other film and in order to get this film made, he called Jonathan and said, “Well, Jon Voight’s going to do it.” Then Jonathan said, “Well, if he’s going to do it, I’ll do it.” Steven then told me, “Jonathan Rhys Meyers is going to do it.” So I said, “Well, if Jonathan Rhys Meyers is going to do it, then I’m going to do it.” So he captured us both by using our affection for each other to get this movie made. I have an affection for Jonathan that should be said. I really like him, and I know him only a little, but I know a lot about him and I know his talent. So a lot of it is real, it’s just the way I deal with him. His response to me is real in a certain way because he sees me as a certain kind of figure, and I could be his father. Do you know what I mean? What does a father mean to him, you see? So we had a lot of exciting energy there. I really like this fella, and I hope I work again with him. His performance here is really quite amazing.

    Leah Gibson as Michelle in 'Mercy.'
    Leah Gibson as Michelle in ‘Mercy.’

    MF: The movie is kind of like ‘Die Hard’ in a hospital, and in those terms, Leah Gibson definitely plays the John McClane role. What was it like working with her and watching her lead this project?

    JV: Well, she’s a terrific person. The first time I met her, I recommended her to Steven Paul, the producer. I said, “I think she can do this.” I laughed with her, I must say, I was just delighted in talking to her the first time I spoke to her. But since then, I’ve seen work she did on a stage piece that was absolutely phenomenal. So she’s a big talent, and she had never played a part like this, actually. So it was an unusual transition, but she had all the physical capability and she’s a serious actor. So it was a great thing for her to be the movie star in this piece.

    MF: What was it like collaborating on this project with director Tony Dean Smith?

    JV: Well, this director, Tony Dean Smith, he thinks of himself as a writer, essentially. He’s written several scripts. He’s young and he’s looking for ways to express himself. He was editing a picture that we had done before, a picture called ‘Dangerous Game: The Legacy Murders’. The director of that film, Sean McNamara, is a wonderful filmmaker, and he recommended Steven to me and said that he was talented. He said, “Look at this fellow, because he’s got some talent.” There was several things about him initially in ‘Dangerous Game,’ his understanding of the music of the film, and his choice of the music for the Temp Dub. Well, he was very good at that, and he was a good editor. He knew film. He had a nice way about himself with actors. You could tell he had a lot of gifts toward this, very smart, very hardworking, and all this stuff. So Steven gave him a chance to direct it and I think he came through very beautifully with a limited schedule and all of that too. So you have to be pretty smart about where you put the camera and how you deal with it, and how you stay on point and stay on schedule. But, he did a good job, and that’s wonderful. I’m so glad for him because I think he deserves to be in this business and do more pieces now.

    Director Frances Ford Coppola at the 50th Anniversary of 'The Godfather' event and historic street naming ceremony the Paramount Theater in Hollywood, CA on February 22nd, 2022. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures.
    Director Frances Ford Coppola at the 50th Anniversary of ‘The Godfather’ event and historic street naming ceremony the Paramount Theater in Hollywood, CA on February 22nd, 2022. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures.

    MF: Finally, what was it like for you working with Francis Ford Coppola on the upcoming ‘Megalopolis,’ and watching the acclaimed filmmaker execute his vision for the project that he has been working on for over 40 years?

    JV: Well, it’s a very ambitious film. It’s unusual in this time to see somebody step out and do something that no nobody’s ever seen before. This is a time when everybody’s trying to follow somebody else, and he didn’t. He’s saying, “This is my vision.” People would maybe try to take him off that over the years, but he said, “No, this is what I want to do.” I was very honored to be part of it, that I could work with him again, because I worked with him on ‘The Rainmaker,’ John Grisham‘s movie with Matt Damon. We got along very well. So he said, “Well, there’s a part in this for you.” He stuck by his guns too, as people probably said, “You’re working with Jon Voight, are you out of your mind?” Whatever it is. He said, “No, he’s a person I’ve worked with before. I get along with him. I like him.” So I was honored to be working on the film. Then they had these great actors. Adam Driver is a wonderful actor, a very unique personality, and a serious artist. The same can be said of Shia LaBeouf. Shia LaBeouf, of course, I worked with him on ‘Holes’ and on his breakthrough performance in ‘Transformers.’ I really love this fellow’s work, and he has a very powerful role in ‘Megalopolis.’ Then I was able to work with Aubrey Plaza, who was somebody I had no real connection with, I hadn’t seen some of the things that she had done. But boy, I think she’s such a gifted person and has enormous talent and potential. So these three are three of the top actors of this generation. So Francis was very clever about that. We’ll see what happens. This is an unusual piece. No one’s ever seen anything like it before. I’m interested to see how it’s going to finish up.

    Jon Voight as Patrick Quinn in 'Mercy.'
    Jon Voight as Patrick Quinn in ‘Mercy.’

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Mercy:’

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    ‘Mercy’ is set to release in select theaters on May 12th and on digital May 19th.