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There was a time when Sofia Coppola was known as the daughter of legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola who had a role in 1990's The Godfather: Part III. But she since has made a name for herself as an actress, photographer, fashion designer and filmmaker. And the Academy Award winner (for best original screenplay for 2003's Lost in Translation) is becoming versed in another talent: how to balance her creative career with the demands of raising daughters of her own, Romy, 4, and Cosima, 7 months (with French musician boyfriend Thomas Mars, who fronts the band Phoenix).
The 39-year-old writer-director's latest film, Somewhere, about a misguided Hollywood star (played by Stephen Dorff) connecting with his tween-age daughter (Elle Fanning) for the first time, takes place in the same ethereal cinematic world as her other creations like The Virgin Suicides and Marie Antoinette. The mom of two found some rare quiet time (at 7 a.m to be specific) to chat with iVillage Content Chief Angela Matusik about movie-making, being a working mom, and the joys of hand-me-downs.
Somewhere explores the relationship between a father and daughter. Did your own experience of being a mom influence you while writing it?
Oh, yes, definitely. When I was writing this it was right after I had my first daughter and I was living in Paris. I had taken some time off and this character came to me. I thought of him having a daughter and wondering what that would be like for this kind of guy. I was so affected by how (being a parent) changes priorities.
The mother role is very absent in this movie. Did you debate having her be a stronger presence?
No, I was really interested in showing this guy and what it would be like for him as a parent. It came from looking at my friends and their daughters who are in that situation –- a paparazzi picture of some rock-star guy with his (young) daughter. I really wanted to look at that relationship and him having to kind of wake up from being around her.
Do you see yourself exploring stories from a mother's point of view in the future?
I haven't thought about it, but I'm sure my work in the future will be affected by having these little people around.
Were you pregnant when filming this movie?
No, luckily I was editing. (Laughs) I don't think I could shoot a movie while pregnant! I couldn't imagine (being pregnant and) having a job where I couldn't catnap.
How are things different with your second daughter? Is it easier?
I'm actually surprised at how much I don't remember from the first -- like what happens when, or what to do. Cosima is much more super-mellow. The first time everything is such a shock, but by the second time you know it's going to be crazy so you are more relaxed.
What about managing your career at the same time -- is that harder with two?
The first one came with me everywhere, but now that I have two it's almost like I feel less bad leaving because they have each other. It's kind of nice being on an airplane and getting to look at magazines and being at a hotel. (Laughs.)
Where do you consider your home now?
We are based out of New York. My boyfriend is French so we were living in Paris and we have a place there. We kind of go between the two but when the kids get to a school age we will have to stay in one place more.
Does it feel strange calling Thomas your boyfriend after having two kids together?
Yeah, it sounds so casual. I call him my husband sometimes.
Do you have any pressure from Romy to get married soon?
No, I don't even think she's really aware (of our marital status).
So your cousin, actor Jason Schwartzman, just had a daughter. Have you given give him any advice?
I actually try not to dispense any advice, but I try to be helpful. I did just send them a bunch of stuff. (Baby girls) have such cute things that they wear for five seconds. It's fun to have someone to send things to.
You obviously come from a family of cinephiles. So, what is Romy watching these days?
I have to say it's finally safe to be on an airplane now that she's old enough to watch things. She just discovered Angelina Ballerina. And she's also obsessed with Peppa Pig -- do you know it? It's an English show. Look it up on YouTube!
I will. Before we finish up, do you have any projects brewing?
No, I'm really looking forward to taking a break and doing regular-life things. We've been busy traveling a lot and I'm really excited about being in New York again.
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