Renowned filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola has recently made headlines after deciding to auction off several valuable timepieces from his personal collection. This move comes in the aftermath of his latest movie, Megalopolis, performing below expectations at the box office. The 86-year-old director, famous for classics such as The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has enlisted the help of auction house Phillips to facilitate the sale of these coveted watches. The auction is scheduled to take place on December 6 and 7 in New York City.
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Coppola’s decision to part ways with these timepieces is seen as a strategic move to recuperate a fraction of the substantial investment he made in Megalopolis. The film, which reportedly cost over $120 million to make, only managed to gross $14.3 million worldwide. Instead of seeking external funding, Coppola chose to finance the project himself, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to bringing his artistic vision to life. In a further effort to support his creative endeavors, he had even sold a majority stake of his wine business, Inglenook, in 2021.
Among the treasures up for auction is a unique timepiece that Coppola co-designed with esteemed watchmaker François-Paul Journe. The F.P. Journe FFC Prototype boasts a distinctive feature – a black titanium human-like hand that adjusts to indicate different hours by extending or retracting its fingers and thumb. Journe expressed his admiration for Coppola’s innovative idea and the collaborative process that led to the creation of this special watch, highlighting the filmmaker’s influence on the watchmaking project.
While Journe produced a limited number of customized versions based on this design, each fetching around $1 million from private collectors, Coppola’s personal timepiece is estimated to be of similar value. The watch, which Coppola proudly sported at the Cannes premiere of Megalopolis, stands as a testament to his passion for artistry across various mediums. It is a symbol of his dedication to pushing boundaries and exploring new forms of expression, whether in filmmaking or horology.
Megalopolis, Coppola’s ambitious fantasy epic, boasted a star-studded cast including Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Giancarlo Esposito, among others. The film’s premise revolved around the transformation of the fictional City of New Rome, with conflicting ideologies personified by the characters of Cesar Catilina and Mayor Franklyn Cicero. Despite its captivating storyline and ensemble cast, the movie failed to resonate with audiences and critics alike, leading to disappointing results at the box office.
In light of Megalopolis’ lukewarm reception, a documentary titled Megadoc, directed by Mike Figgis, offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the film’s development. Through interviews with the cast and crew, viewers gain insight into the challenges and creative processes involved in bringing Coppola’s vision to fruition. The documentary serves as a companion piece that sheds light on the complexities of filmmaking and the dedication required to see a project through to completion.
As Francis Ford Coppola prepares to part ways with these cherished timepieces, the upcoming auction presents an opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own a piece of cinematic and horological history. Each watch symbolizes a unique collaboration between two masters of their craft, encapsulating the spirit of innovation and creativity that defines Coppola’s illustrious career. This auction not only marks a financial transaction but also commemorates the enduring legacy of a visionary artist whose contributions to the worlds of film and watchmaking continue to inspire generations.