Nepotism In The Coppola Film Dynasty | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Nepotism In The Coppola Film Dynasty

Casting practices employed by the Coppola family are not a new tactic in the film industry.

1030
Nepotism In The Coppola Film Dynasty
Word Press

When "The Godfather: Part III" hit the theaters in 1990, reception to the final installment of Francis Coppola's beloved crime drama was mixed as it failed to live up to the bar set by its two predecessors. While it still received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, "The Godfather: Part III" was the only chapter in the famed trilogy to not be selected for preservation as culturally significant in the United States National Film Registry.

Failing to garner a single Oscar and winning two Razzies at the same time, the bulk of the criticism was directed at Sofia Coppola, the daughter of Francis Coppola, who made her cinematic debut as Mary Corleone. But along with the acting flaws of the younger Coppola, which critics did not hesitate to point out, pundits also questioned Francis Coppola's decision to cast his own daughter. With a long list of experienced actresses to choose from due to the franchise's status as a cultural classic, and as "The Gangster Film," it wasn't long before the Coppola name became synonymous with nepotism.

For those of you who are looking to break into the glamorous world of show business, the first thing a motion picture executive will tell you is that it's all about who you know. And trust me, they are not lying. While a polished cover letter and resume, combined with a stellar academic record, may land you a decent associate position at say, Goldman Sachs, the one industry that continues to circumvent the merit system in favor of patronage is entertainment.

Over the years, the Coppolas have established themselves as a household name in Hollywood. In 2004, they become only the second three-generation, Oscar-winning family when Sofia Coppola, redeeming herself from 1990, walked out of the then Kodak Theatre holding the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for her efforts in "Lost In Translation." And to cement their venerable position in the world of red carpets and flashing cameras, the Coppolas haven't been afraid to draw from their own ranks. In "Lost In Translation," Gia Coppola, Sofia Coppola's niece who would later go on to direct "Palo Alto" (2013), worked in the costume department for her aunt. But the use of the Coppola name to get a gig goes far back beyond 2004 and 1990, where critics first made note of such hiring practices. In 1972 and 1974, Francis Coppola, while making "The Godfather" and "The Godfather: Part II," cast an actress by the name of Talia Shire, otherwise known as Talia Rose Coppola. The sister of the famed movie director would play an instrumental role in "The Godfather's"success. Reprising the role of Connie Corleone throughout the series, Shire helped her brother secure one of the 11 Oscar nominations for her work in "The Godfather: Part II."

While it's easy to look back at the shortcomings of "The Godfather: Part III" and say that patronage is flawed, against the overall critical and financial success the Coppolas have accrued for themselves in show business is a testament to how this system of approach works. Call it nepotism or any derogatory term you want, from the perspective of any studio executive the Coppolas are just another plausible reason to keep an already deep-rooted practice in play, for now.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

10603
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

4723
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

3474
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

3070
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments