Francis Ford Coppola’s film “Megalopolis” received a 10-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival, despite receiving mixed reviews from critics. The film, which stars Adam Driver, Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Jon Voight, and Dustin Hoffman, was financed with $120 million of Coppola’s own money. The 85-year-old director stated that he has never cared about money and is more concerned about living a fulfilling life.
Critics have been divided on the film, with some calling it a “great leap” and a “stunning achievement,” while others have labeled it as a mess with uneven performances and dialogue. The New York Times’ Manohla Dargis mentioned that it took her some time to adjust to the unconventional nature of the film. The Hollywood Reporter questioned whether the movie is good or not, stating that it cannot be easily dismissed despite its flaws.
The film’s synopsis describes it as being about an architect who wants to rebuild New York City as a utopia after a disaster. However, critics have expressed confusion over the plot and the overall message of the film. Reviews have been mixed, with some questioning the casting choices and the overall direction of the movie. A headline from New York Magazine online asked, “What Even Is Megalopolis?”
Amid the buzz surrounding the film’s debut at Cannes, there were reports of inappropriate behavior by Coppola on the set. Anonymous sources claimed that the director had pulled women to sit on his lap and tried to kiss some of the topless and scantily clad extras to get them in the mood. Executive producer Darren Demetre denied these allegations, stating that he was never aware of any complaints of harassment or inappropriate behavior during the project.
The controversy surrounding Coppola’s behavior on set has overshadowed some of the critical reviews of the film. Despite the divisive opinions from critics, “Megalopolis” has sparked discussion and debate within the film community. The film’s premiere at Cannes and the subsequent reports of misconduct have added another layer of complexity to the discussion surrounding the movie. Coppola’s willingness to take risks with his art and his dedication to his craft have been questioned in light of these allegations.
