Francis Ford Coppola's highly anticipated film Megalopolis is generating more than just buzz; it is embroiled in controversy and discussion even before its official release. At 85, Coppola, the iconic director known for timeless classics such as The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has crafted what he calls "a love letter to urban life". Yet, the production has faced its fair share of scrutiny, primarily related to its extensive cast and the complex themes tackled within the movie.
Recently, Coppola opened up about the nature of the film, emphasizing his desire not to have it labeled as "woke". During discussions with Rolling Stone, he expressed, "What I didn’t want to happen is we’re deemed some woke Hollywood production." He explained his intention to create art rather than engage strictly with contemporary political dialogues. This statement serves as a backdrop to his casting choices, which include actors such as Jon Voight and Shia LaBeouf who have previously faced public backlash for their conservative views and controversies.
Voight, who appears to embody one of the challenging roles, reflects Coppola's attempt to gather diverse perspectives on set. The director mentioned how the crew comprised both ‘arch-conservatives’ and ‘extremely politically progressive’ individuals, working together toward the same artistic goal. This blend of ideologies has been both lauded and critiqued, stirring debates about the film's message and direction.
Alongside Voight, the film boasts other notable names, including Adam Driver, who portrays a modernized version of Julius Caesar, and Aubrey Plaza, whose character is intriguingly named Wow Platinum. The all-star lineup also features Laurence Fishburne, Dustin Hoffman, Talia Shire, and Jason Schwartzman, drawing significant attention heading toward its premiere.
The excitement surrounding Megalopolis heightened when it premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Opinions were highly polarized among critics, inspiring discussions about its ambitious scope and cinematic choices. Some praised Coppola's visionary approach, aiming to revitalize the concept of epic filmmaking, whereas others felt it did not hit the mark. Such divided reception only intensified public curiosity.
Another wave of controversy emerged after Lionsgate, the film's distributor, faced backlash over the marketing of the film. A trailer released on August 21 featured voiceovers from Laurence Fishburne claiming, "True genius is often misunderstood". This sentiment was intended to frame Megalopolis within the lineage of great cinematic works. Unfortunately, it was soon revealed these quotes were fabricated. Lionsgate quickly pulled the trailer and issued apologies, explaining the misleading statements were the result of AI-generated content.
Adding to the film's intriguing narrative is the swirl of discontent surrounding Coppola himself. Rumors circulated about alleged inappropriate behavior on set, including accusations of kissing female extras. The director immediately labeled these allegations as baseless, arguing they arose just before the film's premiere as attempts to tarnish its image. Despite the uproar, some of the extras have provided contradictory responses, adding another layer to the story, with Coppola discrediting the incidents as mere disagreements related to logistical challenges rather than incidents of misconduct.
Shooting for Megalopolis has been quite the saga since Coppola first conceptualized the project back in the 1970s. Over the years, prominent actors like Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio have been rumored to join the cast at various points, showcasing both the film's long and complicated development timeline. The filmmaker chose to self-finance the project through his production company, American Zoetrope, signaling his deep commitment to realizing his vision.
Coppola has expressed considerable apprehension about the film's distribution post-theatrical release. Denying any plans to enter streaming services, he stated at Cannes, "I want to own [the rights to the film], so I’m not interested in selling it to someone else." Current speculation suggests Lionsgate's typical streaming model would direct audiences toward Starz, but Coppola's comments imply he may not allow for this pathway. With the theatrical release date scheduled for September 27, the conversation about streaming remains fluid, leaving viewers clamoring to know how and where they might eventually access the film.
Unusually for the contemporary film industry, Megalopolis will introduce interactive elements, including scenes where actors will engage with the audience directly. This approach suggests addressing the viewer and blurring the lines between the cinematic experience and live performance—further complicates any potential streaming format. One wonders how watching at home will reconcile these live interactions, making the potential for the film’s release on-demand seem uncertain at best.
Despite all the twists and turns on the path to its release, enthusiasm for Megalopolis remains high, driven by the legendary Coppola's return to filmmaking after over a decade. Fans and film students alike are curious to witness how his latest opus will stand among his revered works. The conversations surrounding the film highlight the increasingly polarized feelings on Hollywood productions today, making its viewing all the more relevant. With the film's release approaching and curiosity brewing, audiences await to discover how the saga of Megalopolis will continue to evolve as it opens up to the world.
