Francis Ford Coppola: 'The US Will Fall Like Rome'

At an event honoring him, Francis Ford Coppola discussed The Godfather, risk-taking, and Megalopolis, which he described as prophetic. He revealed that George Lucas played a crucial role in his accepting to direct The Godfather.

Coppola shared stories from his career, referring to the production difficulties of The Godfather and the financial failure of Megalopolis, which he likens the fall of Rome to the state of American politics and culture. He also referred to homelessness in San Francisco and the need to address social problems at the community level.

At the event, a documentary about the making of Megalopolis was also screened, and Coppola received his award from Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. Spielberg called Coppola a 'warrior of independent artists' and The Godfather as 'the greatest American film ever made'.

Coppola stressed the importance of boldness and risk-taking in art, as well as the need to support new talents.