Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis trailer was recalled after fabricated critical quotes from past films were exposed, prompting an apology from Lionsgate

Lionsgate has pulled the trailer for Francis Ford Coppola’s highly anticipated film Megalopolis after it was discovered that the promotional video included fake quotes attributed to well-known film critics. The trailer, which was released on Wednesday, featured a voiceover from Laurence Fishburne and included supposed quotes from critics reviewing Coppola’s previous works, such as The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

The controversy erupted when journalists and social media users, including Bilge Ebiri from Vulture and Siddhant Adlakha, noticed that the quotes did not match the actual reviews published by the critics. The quotes, which appeared to be negative reflections on Coppola’s earlier films, were not found in any of the original reviews. For instance, a quote attributed to the late Pauline Kael, which described The Godfather as “Diminished by its artiness,” was proven to be fabricated. Similarly, a quote attributed to the late Roger Ebert, calling Dracula “A triumph of style over substance,” was also found to be nonexistent in Ebert’s actual review, where he gave the film a three-star rating and praised its visual excess.

Lionsgate quickly responded to the backlash by pulling the trailer and issuing an apology. “Lionsgate is immediately recalling our trailer for Megalopolis,” the studio said in a statement. “We offer our sincere apologies to the critics involved and to Francis Ford Coppola and American Zoetrope for this inexcusable error in our vetting process. We screwed up. We are sorry.” The studio, which is handling the American distribution for Megalopolis, faced swift criticism for allowing such a glaring oversight to occur.

Owen Gleiberman, a critic whose name was also falsely attributed in the trailer, commented on the incident in an article for Variety. He expressed his frustration, saying, “Even if you’re one of those people who don’t like critics, we hardly deserve to have words put in our mouths. The whole Megalopolis trailer is built on a false narrative. Critics loved The Godfather, and though Apocalypse Now was divisive, it received a lot of crucial critical support.”

The trailer’s misleading quotes appeared to be an attempt to draw a parallel between the initially mixed reactions to Coppola’s past masterpieces and the current divisive reviews of Megalopolis. The film, which had its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, currently holds a 59/100 score on Metacritic and a 53% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The fabricated quotes seem to have been an effort to position the film as a misunderstood work of genius, akin to Coppola’s earlier successes that have since become classics.

This incident is not the first controversy surrounding Megalopolis. Earlier reports from The Guardian and Variety accused Coppola of inappropriate behaviour on set, including allegations of kissing and groping topless female extras. The filmmaker has denied these claims, stating in an interview with The New York Times that he is “not touchy-feely” and that his actions were misinterpreted.

Analysis:

Political:

The controversy surrounding Megalopolis reflects broader issues within the film industry, particularly in how studios and filmmakers manage their public relations and marketing strategies. By attempting to manipulate the narrative through fabricated quotes, Lionsgate’s actions could be seen as an effort to preemptively counter negative reviews and control the film’s reception. This incident could potentially damage the credibility of both the studio and Coppola, affecting future projects and their reception by critics and audiences alike.

The mishap also raises questions about the power dynamics between filmmakers, studios, and critics. The film industry often relies heavily on critical reception to build momentum for new releases. By fabricating quotes, Lionsgate sought to undermine the role of genuine criticism, which could be seen as a form of manipulation that threatens the integrity of the industry’s promotional practices. This could lead to greater scrutiny of marketing materials and a push for more transparency in how films are presented to the public.

Social:

Socially, the incident has sparked discussions about the ethical responsibilities of studios in promoting films. The use of fake quotes not only disrespects the legacy of renowned critics but also misleads audiences who rely on these reviews to form opinions about films. In an era where misinformation is rampant, the deliberate use of false information, even in a marketing context, can contribute to a broader erosion of trust in media and entertainment.

The backlash on social media highlights how quickly audiences and journalists can mobilize to hold companies accountable for misleading practices. The speed at which the issue was identified and addressed reflects a growing intolerance for unethical behaviour in the industry. This incident may serve as a warning to other studios about the importance of maintaining integrity in their promotional efforts.

Racial:

While this specific incident does not directly involve racial issues, it is part of a larger conversation about representation and accountability in the media. The film industry has historically struggled with issues of diversity and inclusion, both on-screen and behind the scenes. Incidents like this, where ethical boundaries are crossed, can further marginalize voices that are already underrepresented in the industry. Critics from diverse backgrounds may feel particularly disrespected when their work is manipulated or misrepresented, adding to existing tensions within the industry.

Gender:

The controversy surrounding Megalopolis also intersects with gender issues, particularly in light of the allegations against Coppola regarding inappropriate behaviour on set. The industry has faced significant scrutiny in recent years over the treatment of women, and incidents like this only serve to highlight the ongoing challenges faced by female professionals in the industry. The use of fabricated quotes, particularly in a trailer that is meant to represent a film featuring both male and female talents, further complicates the narrative around how women are treated and represented in the film industry.

Economical:

Economically, the recall of the Megalopolis trailer could have significant repercussions for the film’s success. Trailers are a crucial part of a film’s marketing campaign, and the negative publicity generated by this incident could impact box office performance and distribution deals. The financial stakes are particularly high for Megalopolis, given that it is a self-financed project by Coppola. Any damage to the film’s reputation could result in lower audience turnout and reduced revenue, which would affect not only the film itself but also the future viability of similar independent projects.

In addition, the controversy could have broader economic implications for Lionsgate, which may face legal or financial repercussions if the critics involved choose to take action against the studio for misrepresentation. The loss of trust from both audiences and industry professionals could lead to a decline in future projects and collaborations, impacting the studio’s bottom line.