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- Two female extras shared contrasting accounts regarding Francis Ford Coppola’s conduct while filming ‘Megalopolis.’
- One extra praised him as “entirely professional.”
- The other described feeling “surprised” by his affectionate gestures.
Diverse Perspectives from the Set of ‘Megalopolis’
Recently, two actresses who worked as background performers on the set of Francis Ford Coppola’s film “Megalopolis” provided their unique interpretations of their experiences.
The Viral Footage and Its Implications
A series of recordings captured by a crew member last year surfaced online in July through a publication by Variety. These clips depicted Coppola interacting closely with female extras during a nightclub sequence, where he was seen attempting to kiss some actresses.
This footage lent credence to earlier reports from The Guardian, which suggested that these actions were intended to help create an emotional atmosphere for the scene. However, reactions among those present varied significantly.
A Positive Account Amidst Controversy
Rayna Menz, one of the extras featured in the videos, insisted that she felt no discomfort due to Coppola’s behavior. In an interview with Deadline, she expressed her disbelief at how footage from what was purportedly supposed to be a private shoot had circulated publicly. “I find it utterly unprofessional,” Menz remarked. She noted that while working together daily with him and his wife on set, she found him nothing short of courteous—“like an endearing Italian grandfather bustling around.”
An Alternate Experience Shared by Another Extra
Conversely, Lauren Pagone relayed her story following Menz’s defense. She confided in an interview published on August 2 by Variety about feeling bewildered after encountering Coppola’s affectionate behavior firsthand. “I didn’t expect him to show such physical warmth,” Pagone stated candidly. “It left me stunned.” Her account suggests interactions occurred multiple times without warning.
MEGA/Getty Images
Pagona revealed that she initially kept silent about her feelings until finding out about Menz’s supportive remarks toward the director; now frustrated at being misrepresented. “It’s disheartening when someone presumes to speak for me or others based solely on their positive experience,” Pagone added thoughtfully.
The Complexity of Consent: An Underlying Theme
An anonymous cast member recounted witnessing similar moments during another scene celebrating New Year’s Eve wherein several women received kisses from Coppola without clear consent. They reported initial laughter turned into surprise among those involved—a sentiment echoed throughout various testimonies surrounding this incident.
Coppolas Response Reconsidered
A request for comment sent to representatives outlining these recent developments received no reply outside regular business hours; however previously addressing accusations attributed through The Guardian earlier this year,
Coppolla remarked in conversation with
The New York Times article published in June:
‘My mother advised me such advances signify disrespect.’ He further emphasized not being inherently tactile nor socializing freely due largely because shyness prevails within himself.’
