Con Francis Ford Coppula- — Casting 2

When Francis Ford Coppola says, "I don’t cast actors. I cast souls," he isn't being poetic. He’s being literal.

Throughout his career, Coppola has made bold casting choices that have often paid off in remarkable ways. The casting of Daniel Day-Lewis in "My Left Foot" (1989) is a prime example. At the time, Day-Lewis was a relatively unknown actor, but Coppola saw something special in him. He encouraged Day-Lewis to fully immerse himself in the role of Christy Brown, a young Irishman born with cerebral palsy. The result was a stunning performance that earned Day-Lewis an Academy Award nomination and cemented his status as a leading man. Casting 2 Con Francis Ford Coppula-

Coppola’s legendary con? He placed casting calls in Manila slums promising food and $5 a day. Over 3,000 people showed up. He didn’t tell them they’d be shot at with live ammunition (the insane production used real .50-caliber blanks that could kill). When two extras were injured, Coppola paid them off in rum. When Francis Ford Coppola says, "I don’t cast actors

: Real-world criminal whose expertise lends authenticity — morally ambiguous. Throughout his career, Coppola has made bold casting