27. Coppola Cast #9: Patton (1970)

This week we’re back to reviewing Francis Coppola’s work as a writer for hire with the epic war film Patton (1970). Coppola wrote his screenplay for Patton years before the film was actually made and released and was surprised how closely the final film followed his screenplay. Patton turned out to be a major hit and won 7 Academy Awards including Best Original Screenplay for Coppola, an important boost to his career. We discuss Coppola’s approach to presenting the character of Patton, George C. Scott’s incredible performance, and the 1970 Oscars. This episode’s Coppola wine was: 2017 Black Label Claret.

23. Coppola Cast 5: Is Paris Burning? (1966)

Continuing our way through Francis Coppola’s work as a writer for hire, Bryan and A.J. march through the epic length movie of the liberation of Paris, Is Paris Burning? Writing Is Paris Burning? was a frustrating experience for Coppola who had to deal with the demands of studio executives and an intrusive Charles de Gaulle. The result was a mediocre epic movie of an important historical event. We try to keep track of the impressive but wasted ensemble cast, sort through the tangle of different storylines, and share the same frustration with the film’s poorly placed intermission. This episode’s Coppola wine was: 2017 Diamond Collection Black Label Claret 1910 Type Cab Sauvignon.