DirectorFrancis Ford Coppolanames his favorite films inSofia Coppola’s directing career. Sofia is the daughter ofOscar-winning filmmaker Francis Ford, who is best known for helmingApocalypse Now,The Conversation, andThe Godfathertrilogy.She began her filmmaking career in 1999when she made her feature debut withThe Virgin Suicides. Since then, Sofia has been the mastermind behind several well-regarded films, includingLost in Translation,The Beguiled,The Bling Ring, and, most recently,Priscilla.
Speaking withKonbini, Francis Ford named his favorite Sofia Coppola film. The filmmaker praised his daughter’s directing work in general, saying that “most of her films are great.” Hethen settled onSomewhereas his favoritebecause “it is very unusual.” He then elaborated that “this will really go down after time as a masterful original movie.” Check out his full quote below:
I think my daughter, Sofia, has made a whole body of work, and most of her films are great. But this [holding up a DVD copy of Somewhere] is in some ways my favorite, it is very unusual. I think this will really go down after time as a masterful original movie. Somewhere, with Elle Fanning as a little child, and I think this is just absolutely beautiful.
How Somewhere Fits Into Sofia Coppola’s Filmography
SomewhereIs Not Usually Cited As Sofia’s Best Film
Francis Ford pickingSomewhereas his favorite movie directed by Sofia is a surprising choice. While she has produced strong works throughout her career, hermost esteemed film is typically cited asLost in Translation. That film won Coppola her first (and only) Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, and was also nominated for three other Academy awards, including Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Actor in a Leading Role for Bill Murray.
With herLost in Translationnominations, Coppola became the first woman to be nominated for directing, writing, and producing in the same year.
Somewhereis a lesser-knownSofia Coppola filmfrom 2010. The film stars Stephen Dorff as a Hollywood actor who rethinks his life choices and future when he gets a surprise visit from his eleven-year-old daughter, Cleo (Elle Fanning). Themoviegrossed a mere $15.2 million worldwide, paling in comparison toLost in Translation’s $118 million take home. This lackluster box office performance is likely a contributing factor to whySomewhereis not held up as Sofia Coppola’s best work.
Our Take On Somewhere
Coppola’s 2010 Film Is More Understated
I can see the argument for whySomewhereis Sofia Coppola’s best film, even if most pundits wouldn’t typically list it. It’s one of her quieter movies, and while less shiny, it takes time to be thoughtful. It also features a stellarperformance from Fanning, adding to the film’s appeal. PickingSofia Coppola’s best work may be a hard task, but I think Francis Ford Coppola’s statement makesSomewhereworth revisiting or watching for the first time.
Somewhere
Cast
Somewhere is a Sofia Coppola-directed film that offers a poignant look into the life of Johnny Marco, a famous actor living at the Chateau Marmont in Hollywood. Played by Stephen Dorff, Marco goes through a journey of self-discovery and redemption upon the unexpected visit of his 11-year-old daughter, Cleo, played by Elle Fanning.
