Sofia Coppola: Auteur or feminine director?
Now we all know Francis Ford Coppola, if not let me remind you the director of ‘The Godfather Trilogy’, ‘Apocalypse now’, ‘Bram stroker’s Dracula’ and I could keep going on. As Mr Coppola in his early years of his career dominated the film industry and directed many masculine films, so is Mrs Sofia Coppola who has directed good movies in her career like ‘Lost in Translation’, ‘Virgin Suicide’ or even her recent movie ‘The Bling Ring’.
The difference in their movies is that, Mrs Coppola’s are more feminine oriented, and all the apsects of feminism, such as, male gaze and women being objectified and becoming victims of the male patriarchy. Just like many directors and artists, Sofia Coppola also had to go through hardships and and match up to her father’s status and gain the respect as a ‘Visionary director’. Many critics did object to her movies and considered an average show which has no depth or meaning to it. She was always looked down upon and considered her as her ‘father’s shadow’.
Though her movies have the qualities of feminism; but in my opinion you can’t deny her the auteur status. There is still the technical aspect to her movie like lighting as pointed out in some of her movies, as she likes to use natural light. Unlike any other auteur she also uses the same actor who share their vision and make it successful (Kirsten Dunst, Bill Murray)
Even after all this criticism, she is determined to still be a director, whereas, many would have left the industry. Little Coppola, stood by her confidence and has directed many great projects. Her determination and confidence have definitely inspired me as I lack motivation to complete certain projects, and taught me to never back down, when you have a talent
Williams, J (2017) A Look At The Films Of Sofia Coppola. [Online] [Accessed on 13th December 2019]Available on:https://www.nextbestpicture.com/latest/a-look-at-the-films-of-sofia-coppola.
Film Blog 