Remembering Eleanor Coppola: A Quiet Influence on Cinema

Eleanor Coppola, renowned for her work in film, passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of documenting cinematic masterpieces such as Apocalypse Now alongside her husband, Francis Ford Coppola.

Having met Francis on the set of his debut film, Dementia 13, Eleanor’s family grew within the backdrop of the film industry, with her children Gian-Carlo, Roman, and Sofia all following in their parents’ footsteps.

Eleanor was a behind-the-scenes champion, capturing the chaotic yet transformative productions of several films, most notably the 238-day tumultuous shoot of Apocalypse Now in the Philippines, later chronicled in the acclaimed documentary Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse.

Eleanor’s memoirs and writings shed light on the personal struggles and triumphs she faced as a filmmaker and a mother in the shadow of a larger-than-life figure like Francis Ford Coppola.

In a surprising turn of events, Eleanor made her directorial debut with Paris Can Wait at the age of 80, followed by Love Is Love Is Love in 2020, showcasing her quiet yet profound influence on the film industry.