Shia LaBeouf’s On-Set Tensions with Coppola Steal the Show in 'Megalopolis' Documentary

Mike Figgis vividly recalls his inaugural encounter with Shia LaBeouf.

While documenting the making of Francis Ford Coppola's ambitious project 'Megalopolis,' Figgis attempted to integrate with the cast. During a break, he noticed LaBeouf was missing.

"Shia had secluded himself at the far end of the gym, engaging in tai chi-like exercises," Figgis recounted from his Italian residence. "I had my phone and asked if I could capture him on camera. To my surprise, he agreed. Over those initial days, LaBeouf was the first cast member I connected with."

LaBeouf emerged as a focal point in Figgis's film 'Megadoc' due to his intense exchanges with Coppola, which frequently left the iconic director exasperated.

Conversely, Figgis found LaBeouf intriguing rather than troublesome, especially after learning that LaBeouf appreciated Figgis's work on the well-regarded Nicolas Cage film 'Leaving Las Vegas.' Coincidentally, both were lodged at the same Atlanta hotel during Coppola's independently funded venture.

The project, 'Megalopolis,' initially gained fame as a bold cinematic endeavor starring Adam Driver as a fictional architect in a revamped 21st-century New York. LaBeouf plays his envious cousin, but soon, the off-camera drama overshadowed the film itself.

Figgis, with his camera, witnessed the entire drama, including the dismissal of the set designer, Beth Mickle, and Coppola's efforts to counter unfavorable media portrayals describing the production as chaotic. Allegations against Coppola regarding misconduct with extras, denied by Coppola, are notably absent from the documentary.

Behind-the-Scenes Intensity

But the highlight remains the fiery verbal clashes between LaBeouf and Coppola captured in 'Megadoc.'

Figgis consulted Eleanor Coppola, the late director's wife, who co-created a similar documentary about 'Apocalypse Now.' Her advice was simple: anticipate constant changes.

"Living solo in a hotel with daunting hours, Shia was aware of Coppola's history of firing actors, fueling his job insecurity," Figgis shared. Yet, LaBeouf candidly voiced his disagreements with Coppola.

Throughout 'Megadoc,' LaBeouf is shown challenging Coppola with inquiries regarding his character's motives and even proposing scene alterations. These confrontations often ended with Coppola leaving abruptly, or escalating to heated disputes in the quiet of Coppola's trailer.

Figgis captured LaBeouf candidly mentioning on film that Coppola labeled him as the "biggest source of aggravation of anyone he's ever collaborated with."

These episodes, Figgis confessed, were compelling material for 'Megadoc,' despite suspecting a touch of theatrics for the camera. He likened these tensions to typical creative conflicts on film sets, even reflecting on a past disagreement with Nicolas Cage during 'Leaving Las Vegas.'

"Cage once took offense at an offhand remark about his performance style," Figgis remembered. "I laughed at the moment, encouraging another take. Before we rolled again, I wished for some improvisation luck. Cage abruptly stopped, questioning my intent, to which I clarified as mere jesting. He retorted by promising an 'ordinary' performance. It was a rare confrontation."

Requests for comments from LaBeouf, Coppola, and Cage went unanswered.

Despite observing such tension on the 'Megalopolis' set, Figgis expressed eagerness to work with LaBeouf again. He's eager to direct a minimalist psychological thriller starring LaBeouf.

"The thriller is an intensely gripping story, set over a single night in middle America," Figgis explained. "Shia is enthusiastic about it."

What is it about LaBeouf, known for his unpredictability, that appeals to Figgis?

"Shia is a complex and fascinating individual," Figgis described. "He truly stands apart."

Megadoc: Now Showing

'Megadoc' is currently available for viewing in theaters.