As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of cinema, I must say that Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis has left an indelible mark on me. Having grown up with the Godfather trilogy and many other masterpieces from this legendary director, it was a delightful surprise to see him venture into the realm of utopian blockbusters.
Let’s imagine this scenario for you: A movie slated for release in 2024 that has garnered both criticism and disappointment from critics and audiences. It’s a highly anticipated sequel to the masterpieces produced by a director celebrated as a visionary, yet it underperformed significantly during its initial run at the box office. Two such films have been causing quite a stir recently, but today we’re focusing on one in particular: Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis.
After watching the movie a week ago before attending the screening of “Joker: Folie à Deux“, I left the theater eager to advocate for this often criticized work of utopian fantasy. Yet, the argument I’m going to present won’t ignore the debates that Francis Ford Coppola has been involved in regarding controversial issues.
Although there are concerns about the man’s past, let’s focus on discussing Megalopolis as a film and its strengths. With that perspective in place, I’d like to share why I believe Francis Ford Coppola’s latest ambitious venture surpasses our assessment of Megalopolis in our review.
Of Course Those Megalopolis Looks Hysterical Out Of Context
To begin, let me clarify that two scenes from the movie “Megalopolis” surfaced online right before its premiere, and unsurprisingly, they became viral hits. Among these clips is a dialogue between Adam Driver’s character Cesar and Nathalie Emmanuel’s Julia. I won’t go into detail about this conversation, as you can easily watch it without context, since it has officially been released:.
In another sequence, you’ll find Jon Voight as Hamilton Crassus III and Aubrey Plaza delivering an outstanding portrayal as Wow Platinum, along with a crossbow. It’s best not to say too much about this scene, but if you catch it, even out of context, it seems perfectly suited for a burst of laughter. Moving on, there’s the scene featuring Adam Driver as a cold intellectual character versus Nathalie Emmanuel. Without the right context provided by Megalopolis, this scene may appear absurd at first glance.
Is it still possible for me to laugh at those parts, given the right setting? Indeed. However, it’s worth noting that Francis Ford Coppola created an anticipation for the whole film, which many seem to overlook, even though it was briefly conveyed through a title or subtitle.
Everyone Forgets That Megalopolis Is A Fable
A Fable” is marketed as such because it carries a moral message and, while it doesn’t feature animals like in traditional fables, its characters are exaggerated to resemble those found in fairy tales rather than something akin to “The Godfather.
Drawing inspiration from Roman history and his perspective on contemporary America, Francis Ford Coppola has crafted a tale that, while set apart from everyday life, is filled with grandiose fictional elements. Titled “A Fable,” Megalopolis was always destined to be unrealistic, even fantastical at times. Although it lacks anthropomorphic creatures, the inhabitants of this decaying dystopia often behave as if driven by their most primitive instincts.
After Seeing Megalopolis, I Think The ‘Immersive Experience’ Is A Requirement
Before the premiere of Megalopolis, a topic that has been frequently discussed is the “engrossing atmosphere” or simply “the immersive experience”. This term might have caught your attention online too, especially when you see videos from Adam Driver’s major press conference. In this unique screening event, audience members are given an opportunity to vocalize the questions, mimicking the role of a journalist interrogating Cesar, thereby creating an “immersive” environment for the viewers.
In my opinion, this element ought to be included in every viewing process. The reason being, it instantaneously transports the audience into the cityscape of Megalopolis, even if just for a fleeting instance. This short span is crucial, as it marks a significant turning point for Adam Driver’s character, where he begins to exhibit more human qualities.
Instead of simply watching the movie as an observer, the impact on viewers like you conversing with Cesar might be significantly stronger. This insight adds to the appeal of Amazon’s abandoned plan for an Alexa feature that aimed to replicate this interactive experience.
Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis Is The Latest Underrated Utopian Blockbuster
It was touching to find Brad Bird acknowledged in the Special Thanks section for Megalopolis, and I believe this connection might explain why the film resonated strongly with me. In a sense, Francis Ford Coppola’s intellectual/societal fairy tale shares some similarities with other utopian blockbusters that I’ve previously advocated for, making
One movie that particularly stands out due to its association with Mr. Bird is “Tomorrowland,” and The Wachowski’s IMAX-worthy masterpiece, “Speed Racer,” also belongs in this category. It’s amazing to think that the man behind “The Godfather” could create such a grand and vibrant spectacle like “Megalopolis.” These films align well with my favorites due to their theme of people overcoming cynicism for a brighter tomorrow.
Yes, There Is A Clear Moral In Megalopolis’ Messy But Moving Fable
I’ve come across numerous opinions suggesting that Megalopolis is a chaotic mix to some extent, and I find myself in agreement. Yet, I believe this confusion might be precisely what director Francis Ford Coppola intended, particularly in the initial scenes. By filling New Rome with sensational memes, trivial celebrity squabbles, and impending disasters fueled by false populism, the chaos could serve as a symbol for our contemporary world.
The solution, as envisioned by Cesar, necessitates a profound discussion about the future. It also calls for people to unite and work tirelessly towards bringing that vision to life and maintaining it. Even when victory appears imminent, as indicated by Adam Driver’s statement “We have no more time,” it signifies that this great undertaking is merely beginning. If the world can ignore distractions and focus its efforts, it has the potential to overcome its challenges and survive.
It’s understandable why some viewers might not enjoy “Megalopolis,” as it appears to share the same issue encountered by Brad Bird’s 2015 film, even echoing our in-house review of “Tomorrowland.” The narrative could seem overly vibrant and unconventional for those unfamiliar with optimistic fairy tales on the silver screen. This is a movie that openly expresses its emotions, which often makes it a story that requires an acquired taste to become a beloved favorite among fans.
If you’re up for something fresh and unconventional, the movie “Megalopolis” is still playing in cinemas. You might even prefer it over “Joker: Folie à Deux”! By the way, don’t forget to catch ReelBlend’s interview with Francis Ford Coppola for more intriguing insights into what sets this film apart.
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2024-10-11 20:07