Eleanor Coppola, the wife of director Francis Ford Coppola and an award-winning filmmaker, passed away at the age of 87 in her home in Rutherford, California. She was born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Orange County before meeting Francis at UCLA where they eventually got married. They had three children together, including son Gian-Carlo who tragically died in a boating accident in 1986.
While Eleanor always had an interest in film, it wasn’t until she started shooting behind-the-scenes footage of Francis’ movie Apocalypse Now that she discovered her passion for filmmaking. The footage she captured on the set of the war film earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement. She mentioned that the idea for the film began with documenting Apocalypse Now, and she found herself mesmerized by the process of filming. Eleanor also directed documentaries chronicling the making of her daughter Sofia’s films The Virgin Suicides and Marie Antoinette, as well as the rom-com Paris Can Wait. Her final director credit was for Love Is Love Is Love in 2020.
In 2017, Eleanor discussed her early filmmaking experiences, mentioning that she had made some small art films in the 1970s but was truly captivated by the process of shooting Apocalypse Now. She appreciated being behind the camera and continued to make documentaries because of her love for capturing moments. Her work on Hearts of Darkness showcased her talent for directing and capturing intimate moments behind-the-scenes of major films.
In October of last year, Sofia skipped the New York Film Festival to spend time with her mother Eleanor. She released a statement at the time, expressing regret at missing the festival but emphasizing that she was with her mother, to whom her film was dedicated. Eleanor’s impact on her family’s film projects was evident, as she was involved in documenting and chronicling the making of their films, showcasing her talent and dedication to the craft of filmmaking.
Eleanor’s legacy as a filmmaker and documentarian will live on through her work on Hearts of Darkness, as well as her other directorial projects and contributions to her family’s films. Her dedication to capturing moments behind-the-scenes and her passion for storytelling through film will be remembered by many in the industry. Her impact on the film world, particularly in documenting the making of major films like Apocalypse Now and her daughter’s projects, is a testament to her talent and love for the art of filmmaking.
