A concise critical study traces Francis Ford Coppola’s development as a defining figure of New Hollywood cinema, focusing on his transformation from studio-backed success to independent, experimental filmmaker. It examines key works such as The Godfather trilogy and Apocalypse Now, highlighting his narrative ambition, technical innovation, and tension between commercial filmmaking and artistic control. The analysis also situates Coppola within broader shifts in American cinema, emphasizing his influence on modern auteur-driven film culture and his lasting impact on both mainstream and independent filmmaking practices.

Stéphane Delorme

Francis Ford Coppola