This week, famed filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola returns to the big screen with his long-awaited epic, MEGALOPOLIS. Here in this preview is everything you need to know:
What is this about? – MEGALOPOLIS is the first film from 85-year-old Francis Ford Coppola since 2011. Set in a re-imagined United States, a visionary architect clashes with a corrupt Mayor over how to rebuild the metropolis of the fictional city New Rome. The film is labeled as an epic science-fiction drama, which draws parallels from the fall of Rome.
Who is behind the camera? – MEGALOPOLIS is written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, who is best known for his films in the 1970’s which are often considered to be among the greatest of all time; THE GODFATHER (1972), THE GODFATHER PART II (1974), and APOCALPYSE NOW (1979). Other notable films include THE CONVERSATION (1974), THE OUTSIDERS (1983), THE COTTON CLUB (1984), PEGGY SUE GOT MARRIED (1986), THE GODFATHER PART III (1990), BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA (1992), and THE RAINMAKER (1997). This is his first feature film since the experimental TWIXT in 2011.
Who is in front of the camera? – Coppola has assembled an ensemble cast, with Adam Driver (THE FORCE AWAKENS) playing the role of the architect, and Giancarlo Esposito (TV’S THE MANDALORIAN), as the mayor. The rest of the cast includes Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, Talia Shire, Jason Schwartzman, James Remar, D.B. Sweeney, and Dustin Hoffman.
Random Facts – Coppola conceived the overall idea for MEGALOPOLIS towards the end of filming APOCALYPSE NOW in 1977 * Coppola sold a portion of his winery to spend $120 million of his own money to fund the production * The film has been mired in controversy; from accusations of inappropriate on-set behavior by Coppola, a visual effects staff that was fired during production, and a trailer that was pulled after using fake, AI-generated quotes * Actor James Caan, who was in THE GODFATHER, was cast in the film but passed away before filming. His role was filled by Dustin Hoffman * MEGALOPOLIS premiered at the 77thCannes Film Festival in July of this year *
What to expect – When Francis Ford Coppola arrived on the scene in the 1970’s, he was part of the new age of filmmakers that would favor experimentation that would change the face of moviemaking. Coppola, along with names like Lucas, Spielberg, and Scorsese, did just that. The reactions from Cannes indicate that Coppola has continued to push the boundaries of what we know as traditional filmmaking. Some of it may work, some of it may not…but it looks like MEGALOPOLIS will be a film that will offer something very new.
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MEGALOPOLIS hits the big screen this Friday, September 27th, with preview screenings on the 26th.
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