Francis Ford Coppola’s long-awaited sci-fi epic, Megalopolis, premiered at Cannes 2024 and received mixed reviews.
The film, starring Adam Driver and Aubrey Plaza, has been both hailed and criticized. Dive into the details of this exciting movie right here!
Key Takeaways
- 'Megalopolis' premiered at Cannes and received mixed reviews, with a 50% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
- The film features a notable cast, including Adam Driver, Aubrey Plaza, and Giancarlo Esposito.
- Coppola's passion project, in the making for over 40 years, is set in a dystopian New York-like city and tackles grand themes like politics and architecture.
A Divisive Premiere at Cannes
Francis Ford Coppola’s much-anticipated sci-fi epic, Megalopolis, was released at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2024.
The film, starring Adam Driver and Aubrey Plaza, has stirred up a whirlwind of reactions, dividing critics and audiences.
With reviews ranging from one to five stars, the movie currently holds a 50% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Star-Studded Cast and Characters
The cast of Megalopolis is impressive, featuring a blend of rising stars and seasoned actors, many of whom have collaborated with Coppola in the past. The main characters include:
- Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina
- Giancarlo Esposito as Mayor Franklyn Cicero
- Nathalie Emmanuel as Julia Cicero
- Aubrey Plaza as Wow Platinum
- Shia LaBeouf as Clodio Pulcher
- Jon Voight as Hamilton Crassus III
- Jason Schwartzman as Jason Zanderz
- Talia Shire as Constance Crassus Catilina
- Grace VanderWaal as Vesta Sweetwater
- Laurence Fishburne as Fundi Romaine
- Kathryn Hunter as Teresa Cicero
- Dustin Hoffman as Nush “The Fixer” Berman
An Ambitious Plot
‘Megalopolis is set in New Rome, a decaying metropolis reminiscent of New York City.
The story follows Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver), an idealistic architect who can stop time and aims to rebuild the city as a sustainable utopia.
His primary opposition is Mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito), who resists change and clings to the city’s deteriorating past.
Caught between them is Julia Cicero (Nathalie Emmanuel), Cicero’s daughter and Cesar’s girlfriend, who is on a quest for the meaning of life.
Coppola has described the film as a “Roman epic set in modern America,” drawing parallels to the Catiline conspiracy in ancient Rome.
Behind the Scenes: A 40-Year Journey
The making of Megalopolis has been as dramatic as its plot.
Coppola has worked on the project for over 40 years, funding it with over $120 million from his own winery estate.
The film’s production faced numerous challenges, including significant crew changes and chaotic filming schedules.
Coppola’s unconventional methods, reminiscent of his work on Apocalypse Now, created a tense atmosphere on set.
Despite these hurdles, the film was completed and premiered at Cannes.
In an interview, Coppola expressed his fears and aspirations for the film: “My greatest fear is to make a really shitty, embarrassing, pompous film on an important subject, and I am doing it,” he said.
This fear refers to his experience with Apocalypse Now, which ultimately became a classic despite initial doubts.
Mixed Reactions and Possible Theatrical Release Date
Early reactions to Megalopolis have been polarizing. Some viewers praised its visionary approach, comparing it to groundbreaking works in cinema history.
Others found it disjointed and difficult to follow.
Cast members like Adam Driver shared positive experiences, despite the chaotic production process.
The film is expected to receive a limited IMAX release later in 2024, potentially starting in September.
However, no official distributor has been attached yet, leaving the wider release date uncertain.
