After founding his own studio, American Zoetrope, the first film he produced and directed, was an authentic fiasco that forced the director to declare bankruptcy. From the initial budget of 2 million dollars it became 25 million dollars.
Francis Ford Coppola’s Zoetrope studio was practically purpose-built for the production of this film. The film though considered by critics a masterpiecedid not have the box office it deserved, with just a little more than 600 thousand dollars. Adam Solomons, from IndieWirehe says, “it is the pure commitment to artificiality that makes One From the Heart one important inspiration for modern musicaleven when looking back.”
This led the director to accept various types of work in order to regain his fortuneto the point of financing 120 million dollars out of his own pocket for his next film, “Megalopolis“. More than 40 years after its debut, the problematic film will now get a special version.
It’s called “One From The Heart“, and according to the official synopsis, the film “centers on Hank (Frederic Forrest) and Frannie (Teri Garr) who separate on their fifth wedding anniversary. Following different paths and taking to the streets, they both meet and spend the night with strangers: Hank with the seductive Leila (Nastassja Kinski), a runaway circus performer, and Frannie with Ray (Raul Julia), a handsome waiter. who is also a pianist and singer. After yet another confrontation, Frannie says that she is going to leave Hank for Ray and that they plan to run away to Bora Bora. However, Hank follows her to the airport in a last-ditch attempt to win her back.”
After having “debuted” last September at Venice Film Festival with a new version with an additional 19 minutes, this restored version in 4K will hit theatersthanks to the distributor Rialto Pictures.
About the film and the new versionFrancis Ford Coppola said, during the festival premiere, “I always loved “One from the Heart”, despite the disruption it caused to my dreams for American Zoetrope. However, There is magic in cinema, and as I prepared this film for 4K, it was clear I could refine the story. This new version is an improvement in many ways and I am proud of what was achieved with “One from the Heart: Reprise”.
Despite its financial failure, the film received an Oscar nomination, in the Best Original Song category. This musical has one of the best soundtracks in the history of cinemaauthored by Tom Waits and Crystal Gayle. With over 40 years of career and 30 albums, Tom Waits is one of the best musicians in history who worked several times with Francis Ford Coppola. The legendary musician has an impressive track record, from Grammy Awards to Oscar nominations.
TRAILER | ONE FROM THE HEART, THE FILM THAT BROUGHT FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA TO RUIN
