What do you think?
Rate this book
Coppolas: A Movie Dynasty
This is a big story. The Coppolas are one of the great American filmmaking dynasties, a classic example of an immigrant family that has thrived in America — the parallels with the Corleones of The Godfather are there for all to see, albeit without the organized crime. Centered on two extraordinary filmmaking father and daughter Francis Ford Coppola and Sofia Coppola, each in different ways has defined their times. And of course, their stories are intimately entwined. But the story will encompass so much more than the careers of two directors. There will be subplots extending out across the Coppola clan to include Nicolas Cage, Talia Shire, Roman Coppola, Jack Schwartzman and lesser-known scions like Marc and Christopher Coppola. It is also the case that the respective stories of Francis and Sofia offer a fascinating insight into the changing face of Hollywood and American culture from the seventies until now. It is also a book about America, a land of opportunity and the template on which the Coppolas can forge their art. Includes eight pages of color photographs
304 pages, Hardcover
Published November 30, 2021
3 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Ian Nathan
27 books110 followersIan Nathan is the popular, London-based author of Anything You Can Imagine: Peter Jackson and the Making of Middle-earth, The Coen Brothers: The Filmmakers and their Films, Alien Vault, Terminator Vault, and many other books, many of which have really long titles.
He is the former editor of Empire Magazine.
If you live in the UK, you may also know from from the Discovering Film series on Sky Arts television extolling the virtues of classic film stars and directors, and he can also be heard on Talk Radio every Friday afternoon, mostly berating the state of current movies. He is just about younger than this makes him sound.
He is the former editor of Empire Magazine.
If you live in the UK, you may also know from from the Discovering Film series on Sky Arts television extolling the virtues of classic film stars and directors, and he can also be heard on Talk Radio every Friday afternoon, mostly berating the state of current movies. He is just about younger than this makes him sound.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 3, 2021
Thanks to Net Galley and Palazzo editions for the advance copy of this book. This tribute is quite well written and informative and provides lots of insights. Most of the book is given to Francis and his movies but as to be expected, considering his resume. A must read for fans of Coppola films, particularly the Godfather Trilogy. Rating of 3.5 stars overall.
November 22, 2023
Two Petaluma shout outs what more could you want
September 26, 2021
Ian Nathan, The Coppolas A Movie Dynasty, Palazzo, 2021.
Thank you NetGalley for this uncorrected proof for review.
Ian Nathan has written an insightful and exciting contribution to our understanding of writing, directing and producing films; the role of family and ability in a dynasty such as the Coppolas; the studio system, and the contribution of film finance, box office returns and reviews; to the success of a film that begins with an idea that impels people such as Francis Ford and Sofia Coppola toward creative endeavour.
Francis Ford and Sofia Coppola are the stars of this book. However, other members of the Coppola family also make contributions to the Coppola dynasty’s work, and they are also given a place in this absorbing story: wife and mother, Eleanor Coppola; sister, Talia Shire; brother, August; sons, Gio and Roman Coppola; cousin, Nicholas Cage (formerly Coppola); granddaughter, Gia Coppola. So, too, are the actors who took their place, successfully or sometimes perhaps not, in the films. His father, Carmine, makes an appearance. Here a story Nathan relates about a prank played on him by Francis Ford Coppola is very sympathetic to him, rather than acknowledging the impact on the father – an interesting comment on the investment Nathan makes in his portrayal of the son.
The bibliography is wide ranging. In addition, each chapter is supported by details of the material which has contributed to the chapter, taking the place of an index. The flow is not marred by citations, and this works well for a book in which the author’s feelings and interpretations are an important contribution to the way in which we are led to see this dynasty. Nathan’s impact is important – leading us to understand not only the people, but the films they wrote, directed, acted in – and on occasion, recut, reinterpreted, and brought back to the world in a form that was impossible originally.
In the earlier part of the book there is a plethora of directors, studios, producers whose work is explained, giving the book an openness that is particularly appealing. This openness contrasts with the inwardness of Coppola, whose writing and direction are so much a part of his being that the rest of the world might not exist - until he suddenly cooks pasta takes his children on exciting jaunts, gives Eleanor attention and appreciation. Interestingly, I thought that the writing in the later part of the book was more inward looking, the Coppolas, rather than their broader environment were the narrow focus. I would have liked detail about the way in which changes to developing films impacted on the dynasty. There is mention of television, and films made for Netflix, for example, but perhaps a stronger comparison of these formats with the old system under which Francis Ford Coppola worked would have made a fascinating addition, maintaining the pattern of the early chapters.
The Coppola films are more than adequately treated. Nathan draws us into The Godfather and its sequels relaying a strong understanding of Coppola’s aims; the stress and darkness of filming Apocalypse Now is fully grasped; and the way in which Coppola regarded Peggy Sue Got Married, somewhat amusing. Sofia’s Lost in Translation was so sensitively covered it reminded of how much I appreciated the film; commentary on other of her films made me want to see more. The deft comparisons made between the two stars of the book are beautifully realised - we understand that they come to their work differently and execute their ideas under very contrasting constraints. But, like a script writer, Nathan ‘shows rather than tells’ this difference. He is also adept at drawing Eleanor and her feelings into the story. The account of her work is both moving and satisfying - more than wife and mother at last!
The Coppolas A Movie Dynasty is an easy and engrossing read. It is a satisfying account of the dynasty; the world of film, particularly during the reign of the studio system; and a wonderful rendition of the ideas, work and feeling behind the Coppola films.
Thank you NetGalley for this uncorrected proof for review.
Ian Nathan has written an insightful and exciting contribution to our understanding of writing, directing and producing films; the role of family and ability in a dynasty such as the Coppolas; the studio system, and the contribution of film finance, box office returns and reviews; to the success of a film that begins with an idea that impels people such as Francis Ford and Sofia Coppola toward creative endeavour.
Francis Ford and Sofia Coppola are the stars of this book. However, other members of the Coppola family also make contributions to the Coppola dynasty’s work, and they are also given a place in this absorbing story: wife and mother, Eleanor Coppola; sister, Talia Shire; brother, August; sons, Gio and Roman Coppola; cousin, Nicholas Cage (formerly Coppola); granddaughter, Gia Coppola. So, too, are the actors who took their place, successfully or sometimes perhaps not, in the films. His father, Carmine, makes an appearance. Here a story Nathan relates about a prank played on him by Francis Ford Coppola is very sympathetic to him, rather than acknowledging the impact on the father – an interesting comment on the investment Nathan makes in his portrayal of the son.
The bibliography is wide ranging. In addition, each chapter is supported by details of the material which has contributed to the chapter, taking the place of an index. The flow is not marred by citations, and this works well for a book in which the author’s feelings and interpretations are an important contribution to the way in which we are led to see this dynasty. Nathan’s impact is important – leading us to understand not only the people, but the films they wrote, directed, acted in – and on occasion, recut, reinterpreted, and brought back to the world in a form that was impossible originally.
In the earlier part of the book there is a plethora of directors, studios, producers whose work is explained, giving the book an openness that is particularly appealing. This openness contrasts with the inwardness of Coppola, whose writing and direction are so much a part of his being that the rest of the world might not exist - until he suddenly cooks pasta takes his children on exciting jaunts, gives Eleanor attention and appreciation. Interestingly, I thought that the writing in the later part of the book was more inward looking, the Coppolas, rather than their broader environment were the narrow focus. I would have liked detail about the way in which changes to developing films impacted on the dynasty. There is mention of television, and films made for Netflix, for example, but perhaps a stronger comparison of these formats with the old system under which Francis Ford Coppola worked would have made a fascinating addition, maintaining the pattern of the early chapters.
The Coppola films are more than adequately treated. Nathan draws us into The Godfather and its sequels relaying a strong understanding of Coppola’s aims; the stress and darkness of filming Apocalypse Now is fully grasped; and the way in which Coppola regarded Peggy Sue Got Married, somewhat amusing. Sofia’s Lost in Translation was so sensitively covered it reminded of how much I appreciated the film; commentary on other of her films made me want to see more. The deft comparisons made between the two stars of the book are beautifully realised - we understand that they come to their work differently and execute their ideas under very contrasting constraints. But, like a script writer, Nathan ‘shows rather than tells’ this difference. He is also adept at drawing Eleanor and her feelings into the story. The account of her work is both moving and satisfying - more than wife and mother at last!
The Coppolas A Movie Dynasty is an easy and engrossing read. It is a satisfying account of the dynasty; the world of film, particularly during the reign of the studio system; and a wonderful rendition of the ideas, work and feeling behind the Coppola films.
November 19, 2021
For more reviews and bookish posts visit https://www.ManOfLaBook.com
The Coppolas: A Movie Dynasty by Ian Nathan follows the famous family in their journey to make their art. Mr. Nathan is an English film writer, as well as an editor
The first thing I noticed about The Coppolas: A Movie Dynasty by Ian Nathan is its conversational tone, almost blog-like. Frankly, I still haven’t decided if I liked it or would have preferred a somewhat more traditional approach.
The book is insightful in understanding the contribution of the family to the movie business, the way the studio system works (or doesn’t), financing, reviews, as well as the meaning of success. The beginning and the end of the, however, is the family.
The book looks at the family patriarch, Francis Ford Coppola, as well as the extended family. The contributions to the success of the family is undoubtedly a group effort. Eleanor Coppola, wife, mother and an accomplished documentary maker by her own right. Carmine and Italia, parents to the Francis, Talia Shire (actress), and August (academic, author, and film executive) all talented and successful in their own way. We learn about the children, Gio, Roman and of course Sofia Coppola who is making her mark as an innovative artist in her own right. Along the way more of the family is recognized, cousin Nicolas Cage (son of August), Gia (daughter of Gio who passed away from a horrific accident), as well as Robert and Jason Schwartzman (sons of Talia).
The family, it seems, is inseparable from their art – for good or for bad. Much of the focus of the first part of the book is Francis Coppola rising through the ranks. Making the movies he wants to make, or making crowd-pleasers his way through sheer will. One could certainly make the point that the movies would look very differently if Coppola wasn’t around.
The second part of the book looks more inward. There isn’t much of the name dropping as it is in the first half; even though I was happy to see the great Toshiro Mifone mentioned (the only person who can hold his own with a man-bun). The ways we watch movies have changed, and with it the way movies are made. These topics have, obviously, affected the Coppolas as they have every movie watcher in the world. To their credit the Coppolas has adjusted as one could only expect of such a diverse family.
This is an easy read, but very interesting and satisfying. I immensely enjoyed the personal tales which made me watch their movies in a different way.
The Coppolas: A Movie Dynasty by Ian Nathan follows the famous family in their journey to make their art. Mr. Nathan is an English film writer, as well as an editor
The first thing I noticed about The Coppolas: A Movie Dynasty by Ian Nathan is its conversational tone, almost blog-like. Frankly, I still haven’t decided if I liked it or would have preferred a somewhat more traditional approach.
The book is insightful in understanding the contribution of the family to the movie business, the way the studio system works (or doesn’t), financing, reviews, as well as the meaning of success. The beginning and the end of the, however, is the family.
The book looks at the family patriarch, Francis Ford Coppola, as well as the extended family. The contributions to the success of the family is undoubtedly a group effort. Eleanor Coppola, wife, mother and an accomplished documentary maker by her own right. Carmine and Italia, parents to the Francis, Talia Shire (actress), and August (academic, author, and film executive) all talented and successful in their own way. We learn about the children, Gio, Roman and of course Sofia Coppola who is making her mark as an innovative artist in her own right. Along the way more of the family is recognized, cousin Nicolas Cage (son of August), Gia (daughter of Gio who passed away from a horrific accident), as well as Robert and Jason Schwartzman (sons of Talia).
The family, it seems, is inseparable from their art – for good or for bad. Much of the focus of the first part of the book is Francis Coppola rising through the ranks. Making the movies he wants to make, or making crowd-pleasers his way through sheer will. One could certainly make the point that the movies would look very differently if Coppola wasn’t around.
The second part of the book looks more inward. There isn’t much of the name dropping as it is in the first half; even though I was happy to see the great Toshiro Mifone mentioned (the only person who can hold his own with a man-bun). The ways we watch movies have changed, and with it the way movies are made. These topics have, obviously, affected the Coppolas as they have every movie watcher in the world. To their credit the Coppolas has adjusted as one could only expect of such a diverse family.
This is an easy read, but very interesting and satisfying. I immensely enjoyed the personal tales which made me watch their movies in a different way.
November 10, 2021
The Coppolas: A Movie Dynasty by Ian Nathan is a wonderful example of Nathan's ability to interweave biography with filmography.
As in his other books, this tells the personal story of the Coppolas, primarily the Francis Ford branch, through talking about the films (both content and production of). This does not leave gaps, time in between is covered, but it is the general chronology of the films that represents the structure of the book.
Both Coppolas highlighted here have fascinating life stories that make the biography very interesting. Yet in the recounting of each film we get a fair amount of film history without ever feeling we have left the people behind. Their lives are contextualized within their times, both society as a whole and the movie industry more narrowly.
I would recommend this to anyone with even a passing interest in film as well as those who enjoy biographies of celebrities that avoid sensationalism even when talking about things that were sensationalized at the time. About the only way to be bored with this, other than just a complete disinterest in celebrity biography (why pick it up then?), would be if you were just hoping for a gossip type expose rather than a reasonable biography/filmography.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
As in his other books, this tells the personal story of the Coppolas, primarily the Francis Ford branch, through talking about the films (both content and production of). This does not leave gaps, time in between is covered, but it is the general chronology of the films that represents the structure of the book.
Both Coppolas highlighted here have fascinating life stories that make the biography very interesting. Yet in the recounting of each film we get a fair amount of film history without ever feeling we have left the people behind. Their lives are contextualized within their times, both society as a whole and the movie industry more narrowly.
I would recommend this to anyone with even a passing interest in film as well as those who enjoy biographies of celebrities that avoid sensationalism even when talking about things that were sensationalized at the time. About the only way to be bored with this, other than just a complete disinterest in celebrity biography (why pick it up then?), would be if you were just hoping for a gossip type expose rather than a reasonable biography/filmography.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
November 1, 2023
A fascinating and engrossing biography of the Coppola family. And not just of the well-known directors Francis Ford Coppola and his daughter Sofia, but of all the family members who are all given their due, thus introducing the reader to the whole clan. As much as anything the book is a family saga, and all the more interesting for that. It follows the family from their arrival in the US to their success in the film industry and world-wide acclaim. And you don’t have to be a movie buff or even that interested in films and film making to enjoy the book, as it’s wide ranging in its scope and is also an exploration of social history over the years of Francis Ford Coppola’s career. Like with any family saga, we learn of their ups and downs, their joys and sorrow, from which no family, however famous is immune. The book is meticulously researched and written in a lively, almost breathless style, sometimes verging on the hagiographic but always insightful and compelling. It takes the reader into all aspects of film making, going behind the scenes as well as exploring the finished product. Detailed and balanced, the book works as a biography and as an intelligent study of film making in all its aspects.
September 11, 2021
The trailblazing story of the Coppola family is vividly told in this first-rate book by Ian Nathan. His narrative has a sense of urgent momentum as he tells of Francis Ford’s early love of films and his unstoppable vision that led him to a job with that master of the B-movie, Roger Corman.
Nearly every member of the Coppola family has been a revolutionary force in cinema - from Francis, director of legendary movies such as “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now”, to the groundbreaking films of his daughter Sofia. Other members of the Coppola family, such as his sister Talia Shire and his nephew, the gloriously unique Nicolas Cage, play their parts in this story.
Ian Nathan’s excellent book charts the history of the Coppola family and the changing landscape of American society from the 60s to the present day.
Nearly every member of the Coppola family has been a revolutionary force in cinema - from Francis, director of legendary movies such as “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now”, to the groundbreaking films of his daughter Sofia. Other members of the Coppola family, such as his sister Talia Shire and his nephew, the gloriously unique Nicolas Cage, play their parts in this story.
Ian Nathan’s excellent book charts the history of the Coppola family and the changing landscape of American society from the 60s to the present day.
October 10, 2021
Even though I'm not really interested in movie making, and have only seen one or two Coppola movies, the cover of this book made me request an ARC. I was most interested in how Sophia Coppola followed in her father's footsteps. It's a highly readable book. (Considering my low interest level on the subject, I'm surprised I didn't start skimming until about 50%.) While most of the book is about Francis Coppola, there was enough about Sophia Coppola and the rest of the family to keep me reading to the end. I would highly recommend it to those interested in the making of "The Godfather" movies and “Apocalypse Now”. Marlon Brando fans might also find it most interesting.
(Note: I received a free e-ARC of the book from NetGalley and the publisher or author.)
(Note: I received a free e-ARC of the book from NetGalley and the publisher or author.)
September 21, 2021
The Godfather Trilogy are some of my favourite movies ever and that is down to Mr Francis Ford Coppola. Yes I know the original material came from Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather but FFC brought it to life.
This is the story of Francis and his daughter Sophia and their career within the movie industry. This isn't just your straight forward a-z filmography, this book highlights the similarities between the Coppola Family and the many award winning films they wrote/produced/directed, with some background for each film and what was happening at the time.
This is quite well written and I breezed through it.
If you are a fan of their work you will particularly enjoy this book.
This is the story of Francis and his daughter Sophia and their career within the movie industry. This isn't just your straight forward a-z filmography, this book highlights the similarities between the Coppola Family and the many award winning films they wrote/produced/directed, with some background for each film and what was happening at the time.
This is quite well written and I breezed through it.
If you are a fan of their work you will particularly enjoy this book.
September 26, 2021
The book was too dry for me. And a little confusing. It didn't grab me in the beginning and I had to put it down.
I'm sure others will love it
I'm sure others will love it
January 31, 2022
Meh!
Rushed.
Rushed.
July 23, 2022
A real fun deep dive into two of the best to ever do it.
October 8, 2022
Great book for anyone interested in film history and the creative process.
December 19, 2023
Local film nut Ian Nathan provides a well-studded history of the House of Coppola, including insightful, though not intrusive, illustrations from their own work.
September 10, 2024
Pretty good. Heavily weighted toward Francis, who granted is by far the towering light of the clan. I would have liked more on Sofia’s pics.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews