Coppola's Megalopolis: A Baroquely Anachronistic Epic Premieres at Cannes
Francis Ford Coppola's self-financed $120 million epic 'Megalopolis' premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, receiving mixed reactions for its baroque excess and anachronistic vision. The film, produced by American Zoetrope, follows architect Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver) who invents an eco-friendly material called Megalon and can stop time, clashing with conservative mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito) in a dystopian New Rome (a stand-in for New York). Coppola's script, rewritten over 40 years, is criticized for its dated critique of American society rooted in the 1980s rather than the 2000s. The chaotic narrative blends Greek tragedy and Shakespearean intrigue, with kitsch and visionary moments. The screening at the IMAX theater in Cannes heightened the vertiginous experience, notably the opening scene atop the Chrysler Building. Critic Carlotta Petracci notes the film lacks rewatchability despite its ambition.
Key facts
- Francis Ford Coppola self-financed 'Megalopolis' with a budget of $120 million.
- The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in an IMAX theater.
- Adam Driver plays architect Cesar Catilina, who invents Megalon and can stop time.
- Giancarlo Esposito plays conservative mayor Franklyn Cicero.
- Jon Voight plays wealthy banker uncle Hamilton Crassus.
- The film's dystopian setting is New Rome, a stand-in for New York City.
- Coppola rewrote the script over 40 years, with multiple abandonments due to lack of funding.
- Critic Carlotta Petracci describes the film as anachronistic, with a vision rooted in the 1980s.
Entities
Artists
- Francis Ford Coppola
- Adam Driver
- Giancarlo Esposito
- Jon Voight
- Carlotta Petracci
Institutions
- American Zoetrope
- Cannes Film Festival
- Artribune
Locations
- Cannes
- France
- New York
- New Rome