After decades in the making, Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis finally hits theaters, but the ambitious sci-fi epic falls short of expectations. With a star-studded cast and stunning visuals, the film promises much but delivers a confusing mix of themes and metaphors. Despite his legendary status, Coppola’s latest project may land alongside some of his lesser works.
By Sadie Watkins
A Visionary Take on a Futuristic City
Megalopolis is set in New Rome, a futuristic version of New York City, blending architectural grandeur with historical references. The city’s fate rests in the hands of architect Cesar Catilina, played by Adam Driver, who plans to rebuild the decaying metropolis using a new material called Megalon. His grand vision puts him at odds with conservative mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito), who fights to maintain the status quo. Tensions rise when Cicero’s daughter Julia (Nathalie Emmanuel) becomes Cesar’s ally—and later, his lover.
Shakespeare Meets Sci-Fi
Drawing heavily from classic literature, Megalopolis incorporates Shakespearean influences, combining elements from Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth with science fiction and nods to films like Metropolis. However, rather than adding depth, these influences create confusion. Characters like Wow Platinum (Aubrey Plaza), a flashy TV host and Cesar’s former lover, feel more like caricatures, further muddling an already chaotic plot.
A Star-Studded, Eccentric Cast
Alongside Driver and Esposito, the film features an eclectic supporting cast, including Jon Voight, Shia LaBeouf, and Grace VanderWaal. While the actors give it their all, many of their roles seem to exist solely to add more strangeness to the film. Laurence Fishburne takes on two roles, narrating the story and serving as Cesar’s driver, but even his presence struggles to anchor the scattered narrative.
Too Ambitious for Its Own Good
While Megalopolis is undeniably ambitious, it often takes itself too seriously, ultimately losing focus. Though visually striking, the film’s narrative feels disjointed and overreaches in its attempt to deliver an epic story. Giancarlo Esposito’s performance stands out, providing some stability in the chaotic storyline, but even his efforts can’t save the film from its own lofty ambitions.
Coppola’s Megalopolis showcases his passion and vision, but ultimately stumbles under the weight of its ambition. Despite strong performances, particularly from Giancarlo Esposito, the film’s narrative is disjointed and confusing. While visually impressive, it may only appeal to die-hard fans of the director.
Based on information from www.eu.usatoday.com and own research.