Check out the latest clip from Youth Without Youth, from Francis Ford Coppola.

Based on the metaphysical writings of Romanian philosopher Mircea Eliade, the film follows Tim Roth as 70-year-old linguistics professor Dominic Matei, a man haunted by his lost love Lara while languishing in Bucharest, and after being struck by lightning, he goes through a process of rejuvenation that reverts his body back to that of a 40-year-old. [ComingSoon.net] 

Nazis? Electricity? Horses? Am I the only one who thinks this clip belongs in an Indiana Jones movie?  If Francis starts looking like Alf and dressing like an old lesbian… well, then I guess that makes two fat old directors that look stupid then, doesn’t it.   

Join us for next week’s episode of Learning to Count with Obscure Movie References for our abnormally-short Italian guy edition, starring Danny DeVito and Joe Pesci. (opens in NY and LA December 14th)

A while back, I posted the teaser for Youth Without Youth, Francis Ford Coppola’s first movie in 10 years.  This is the full trailer.  Interestingly, it looks pretty sci fi.  One can only hope it will be Coppola’s return to Captain EO form.

Youth Without Youth stars Tim Roth as Dominic Matei, an aging professor of linguistics who survives a cataclysmic event to find his youth miraculously restored. Dominic’s physical rejuvenation is matched by a highly evolved intellect, which attracts the attention of Nazi scientists, forcing him into exile. While on the run, he reunites with his lost love, Laura, and works to complete his research into the origins of human language. When his research threatens Laura’s well being, Dominic is forced to choose between his life’s work and the great love of his life. 

I also like how in the trailer a guy gets struck by lightning and the doctor tells him, "You are very lucky."  That’s ballsy.  Because if getting struck by lightning is proof of anything, it’s that God hates you.  [Thanks to Ohad from Israel for the tip] 

UPDATE: Premiered to, uh, "mixed" reviews at RomaCinemaFest yesterday.  (Excerpts after the jump)

Ray Bennett of The Hollywood Reporter:

The story is full of arcane references that many will find nonsensical, and the performances are a letdown. Lacking coherence and suspense, the picture is likely to attract a cult following while disappointing Coppola’s fan base.

Jay Weissberg of Variety:

"Not just fans of Francis Ford Coppola will be disappointed by the mishmash plotting and stilted script of Youth Without Youth.""Attempting to harness multiple genres, pic is brought down by ponderous dialogue (much of it dubbed) and an inability to connect with its characters.""Presumably, Coppola chose to dub most of the film because the non-native English speakers needed help to make their lines clear, but the device, though generally well done, does nothing to help lackluster delivery in the minor roles."

Ouch.  Keep in mind those were trade papers.  [Variety and Hollywood Reporter via /Film] 

Apple has the latest teaser for Youth Without Youth (Small Medium Large). Francis Ford Coppola is back, hopefully to show his daughter Sofia that filmmaking is about more than being rich and having a camera. 

Youth Without Youth stars Tim Roth as Dominic Matei, an aging professor of linguistics who survives a cataclysmic event to find his youth miraculously restored. Dominic’s physical rejuvenation is matched by a highly evolved intellect, which attracts the attention of Nazi scientists, forcing him into exile. While on the run, he reunites with his lost love, Laura, and works to complete his research into the origins of human language. When his research threatens Laura’s well being, Dominic is forced to choose between his life’s work and the great love of his life.

Whatever dude, as long as it’s better than Jack.  Having Nazis is always a good sign.  Still, I wish they’d make a Frenchtoast Without Guilt movie. OMG my thighs would be there on opening day LOL!