May 16th 2024.
At the Cannes Film Festival, legendary director Francis Ford Coppola's highly-anticipated film Megalopolis made its debut, giving critics and guests the first official look at the $120 million project. This comeback movie, which has been in development since the 1980s, is unlike anything anyone could have expected from the filmmaker behind iconic films like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now. With a career that has had its ups and downs, including the experimental film One From the Heart, Coppola's ambitious and bizarre vision for Megalopolis sets it apart from anything else in his repertoire.
Featuring a star-studded cast including Adam Driver, Jon Voight, Dustin Hoffman, Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Laurence Fishburne, and Giancarlo Esposito, Megalopolis tells the story of Cesar Catalina, a genius artist who seeks to create a utopian future with his grand building plans. However, he faces opposition from the arch-conservative mayor, Franklyn Cicero. And that's not all - Cesar also possesses the power to stop time, adding another layer of intrigue to the already complex plot.
But let's get to the juicy details that have everyone talking. Jon Voight, at the age of 85, delivers a particularly eye-opening performance as the wealthy banker Hamilton Crassus III. In a surprising and somewhat shocking scene, Voight's character is shown lying in bed with a large protrusion from his groin, referencing his "boner" and boasting about his ability to still "get it up" with just a glance at his wife. But this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the unexpected moments in Megalopolis.
Shia LaBeouf, known for his controversial behavior, takes on the role of Cesar's jealous cousin Clodio Pulcher. And his performance is nothing short of wild and unpredictable. But what's even more surprising is Coppola's decision to have LaBeouf's character cross-dress, with no explanation given. And in one explicit sex scene, viewers are treated to a glimpse of LaBeouf's pubic hair in profile. It's safe to say that this is not your typical Hollywood film.
Adam Driver, who plays the lead role in Megalopolis, has a lot to contend with in this film - from dramatic moments of screaming and crying to a sometimes bizarre sax-heavy soundtrack. But one moment that caught the audience off guard was when he scathingly referenced socialite Julia Cicero's partying habits, saying "in da cluuub" in a way that had everyone laughing. It turns out that 50 Cent's 2003 hit was a source of inspiration for Driver and Coppola.
The film also leans heavily into its Roman inspiration, with the women in the movie dressed in stolas and gladiator-style sandals. And in a nod to ancient Rome's Vestal virgins, there is even a virginity auction at a party. Singer and former America's Got Talent contestant Grace VanderWaal plays Vesta Sweetwater, a young girl who is saving herself for marriage. As she performs a song, the crowd is encouraged to pledge money towards her vow of virginity - a strange and somewhat unsettling concept.
But perhaps the most unconventional aspect of Megalopolis is the live performance that takes place during the film. At the Cannes press screening, a man came onstage to act out a scene with Driver, breaking the fourth wall in a way that left many scratching their heads. While this may not be essential to the film itself, it adds another layer of unpredictability to an already unconventional moviegoing experience.
Despite all its quirks and surprises, Megalopolis has received positive reviews and has left audiences buzzing with excitement. It's yet to be announced when the film will be released globally, but one thing is for sure - Coppola's latest project is not one to be missed.
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