It's a classic setup: The filmmaker follows a creative genius before the reveal of a major new work, chronicling preparations and fears, pains and pleasures, with an elegant and obvious endpoint.

Coppola produced Durham’s first film, a moving adaptation of Alysia Abbott’s memoir about growing up in 1970s San Francisco.

Venice: For her debut doc, Coppola chronicles the work of her long-time friend and collaborator, avoiding hagiography in favor of something more elusive. It’s a classic setup: The filmmaker follows a ...