September 28th 2024.
Adam Driver takes on the lead role in the highly-anticipated film, Megalopolis, set to hit UK and Irish cinemas this September. The legendary director, Francis Ford Coppola, had initially planned to premiere the film at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, and it's no wonder why. With a budget of $120 million, this comeback project was bound to generate buzz and excitement among film enthusiasts. However, after watching it, I can't help but feel disappointed.
Don't get me wrong, I have the utmost respect for Coppola and his Oscar-winning talents. But I have to say, Megalopolis was not his finest work. Weeks after seeing it, I still can't shake off the odd and confusing feeling it left me with. Of course, Coppola has had his fair share of hits and misses in his career, from The Godfather to One From the Heart. But Megalopolis takes the cake for being the most ambitious, grand, and yet, incomprehensible film he has ever made.
The film industry was abuzz with baffled reactions after the unveiling of Coppola's latest project. This was his first standard production since 2011's Twixt, and it was clear that he had taken some wild swings with it. While this is an admirable quality in itself, Megalopolis left many people scratching their heads. Some loved it, while others struggled to make sense of it all. As for me, the plot holes were too gaping, and the message too muddled in a film that attempted to cover a multitude of complex concepts.
Coppola's passion project, Megalopolis, has been in the making since the 1980s, and it shows. Set in a modern America, the film is heavily inspired by ancient Rome and revolves around the ambitious architect, Cesar Catalina. His goal is to build a utopian city, New Rome, while facing opposition from the conservative mayor, Franklyn Cicero. Oh, and did I mention that Cesar has the power to stop time? It's clear that Coppola has a fascination with the Roman Empire, and this is evident in every aspect of the film, from the costumes to the characters.
Adam Driver delivers a strong performance as Cesar, but it's hard to root for his character. He's portrayed as a genius with plans to uplift the downtrodden, but his ego and arrogance often contradict this. Driver's character is put through the wringer, from breakdowns to losing part of his face, but even his bold choices couldn't save the chaotic and confusing energy of the film. However, it's worth mentioning that Cesar's adversary, played by Giancarlo Esposito, brings a Shakespearean gravitas to the film and is a worthy opponent to Driver's character.
The star-studded cast also includes Aubrey Plaza, Laurence Fishburne, Dustin Hoffman, and Jon Voight. Plaza, in particular, shines as the ruthless journalist, Wow Platinum, who is not afraid to use her charm to get what she wants. Despite the lack of character development, Plaza delivers a natural performance, which is a testament to her talent. However, the same cannot be said for the film's plot, which has many holes and inconsistencies.
Despite my criticisms, I would still encourage everyone to see Megalopolis. It's an ambitious project that breaks conventions and is sure to spark intense debates. While some have praised it, others have struggled to make sense of it all. One thing is for sure, Coppola took a risk with this film, and though it may not have paid off, it's still a feat to behold. Who knows, maybe I'll be eating my words when award season comes around, and Hollywood decides to honor the visionary director.
Megalopolis is out now in the UK and Ireland. This article was first published on May 17, 2024, and if you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, we'd love to hear from you. You can submit your content through our website or by contacting our entertainment team through email or phone. Let's keep the conversation going!
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