Coppola abandoned the project entirely in 2007, and did not begin development until 2019
Plot
The city of New Rome faces a duel between Cesar Catilina, a brilliant artist committed to a utopian future, and greedy mayor Franklin Cicero. Among them is Julia Cicero, whose loyalties are divided between her father and her lover. Francis Ford Coppola wrote the screenplay in the early 1980s, but the film was partially shelved due to his financial debts. Pre-production finally began in 2001 with 30 hours of second unit footage and a table read featuring Paul Newman, Uma Thurman, Robert De Niro, James Gandolfini, Nicolas Cage, Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Edie Falco, and Kevin Spacey. The project was shelved after the September 11 attacks because a scene in the script (page 166) “predicted” the attacks. There are many moments in the film where hand gestures alternate between cuts.
Performed by Grace VanderWaal
Hamilton Crassus III: What do you think of that boner I’ve got? “The Ultimate IMAX Experience” In the film version, a live actor asks questions during a filmed press conference. Link to The John Campea Show: Adam Driver leads Francis Ford Coppola’s new film Megalopolis (2022). “My Promise” Written by Grace VanderWaal. Courtesy of Columbia Records. Produced and orchestrated by Kris Kukul in arrangement with Sony Music Entertainment.
The film could have been set in a more realistic location
Unclear feelings. Megalopolis is an epic and silly mash-up of various films (Babylon, Casanova, Moulin Rouge, Cabaret, Batman, Hudsucker Proxy and Hollywoodland miniseries, etc.). Coppola recycles many styles of some famous directors like Luhrmann, Chazelle, Burton, Aronofsky, Fellini and Visconti. His own voice is somewhere in the fleeting detail, which unfortunately reminds of his weaker films like One of the Heart. Then the megalopolis fantasy would be more effective in giving a wow feeling. And what’s the point of stupid and unjustified theatrics, or should I just say theatrics?
The ending was good too
Personally, I hate the shot of Baz Luhrmann puking in my mouth. This makes the story lose some credibility. However, there are many gratuitous moments: the dropping of hats, the weird dance pose in the first scene, and the general mood. I did like the last quarter of the film, though. There were thoughtful and beautiful ideas. The story is pretty good due to its connections to ancient Rome, etc.
Unfortunately, the chaotic and restless silliness of theatrics just eats up too much
i.e. And without the constant interference, the film could have been a decent story for adults. Check out our list of exciting new films from this year’s film festivals, including Venice, TIFF, New York Film Festival and more.