Francis Ford Coppola, director of 'The Godfather,' hospitalized in Rome with cardiac arrhythmia

Director Francis Ford Coppola , Oscar winner for masterpieces such as The Godfather and Apocalypse Now , has been admitted to Rome 's Policlinico di Tor Vergata for a planned heart operation . However, a mild cardiac arrhythmia detected just before the procedure has led doctors to keep him under observation.

The 86-year-old Italian-American filmmaker was in Portland , Oregon, on Sunday promoting his latest film, Megalopolis , before discreetly returning to Italy to prepare for surgery. His last post on Instagram was yesterday morning, suggesting he remained active and connected, seemingly unconcerned about his health, during the intercontinental flight or upon arrival.

The fact that he traveled to Italy for the procedure is not surprising, as Coppola maintains a very close relationship with the country. He spends much of the summer there scouting locations for a new project he plans to shoot in the fall. The director, known worldwide for films such as Bram Stoker's Dracula and The Rain Man , has a special connection with the Basilicata region, from where his grandfather Agostino emigrated at the beginning of the 20th century. The filmmaker is an honorary citizen of Bernalda (Matera), his family's village, where he often spends his holidays.

Recently, in mid-July, Coppola participated in the preview of the Magna Graecia Film Festival in Soverato, Calabria. At a meeting with young people, he delivered a message of hope: "Young people tell me the world is a mess, but I tell them there is no problem that man cannot solve . We must build a great new future and do it together for the sake of our children. And tonight we will take a leap into the future," he stated.

Coppola's latest work is Megalopolis , a colossal $120 million film that he financed himself. The film, a dystopian work set in "Neo Roma," premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and has generated much debate. The documentary Megadoc , directed by Mike Figgis, was created about its making and will be presented at the Venice Film Festival .

Who is Francis Ford Coppola?

Francis Ford Coppola is one of the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of cinema , recognized as a pivotal director, screenwriter and producer in the New Hollywood movement of the 1970s . His filmography includes some of the most iconic films of all time. He is responsible for The Godfather trilogy , which redefined gangster cinema, and Apocalypse Now , a masterpiece that captured the brutality and chaos of the Vietnam War . Throughout his career, he has won numerous Academy Awards, highlighting his bold vision and his ability to create epic stories and complex characters.

In addition to his work behind the camera, Coppola is known for his work as a producer , launching the careers of other filmmakers, and for being a key figure in the independent film industry. With a distinctive cinematic style that blends visual bombast with deep psychological exploration, his legacy endures through his influence on generations of directors and the continued relevance of his films.